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AGRONOMIC AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SULFUR APPLICATIONS TO SOYBEANS IN CENTRAL OHIO

Extension Education

F. John Barker
Extension Educator, Agriculture
OSU Extension Knox County
MT. VERNON

Abstract

Prior multi-year postemergence sulfur trials have produced highly inconsistent results usually resulting in a negative return to sulfur. This study was designed to evaluate preemergence sulfur application to soybeans. In 2020 two replicated trials were conducted in Knox County. Plot 1 harvest results show no statistical difference in yield between the sulfur replications (70 bushels/acre) and the no sulfur (check) replications (67 bushels/acre). These results produced a positive net return of $12.62/acre, which was not statistically different. In Plot 2 the sulfur treatments produced a yield of 81 bushels/acre and the no sulfur treatments (check) produced a yield of 76 bushels/acre. The yield data was statistically different. These yields resulted in a positive net return to sulfur of $27.55/acre. Based upon the 2020 results, three replicated trials were conducted in 2021 in Knox County (Plots 1 & 2) and Delaware County (Plot 3). Harvest results from Plot 1 show sulfur replications produced a yield of 55 bushels/acre, while the no sulfur (check) replications resulted in a yield of 60 bushels/acre. These results were not statistically different and generated a negative return to sulfur of nearly $82/acre. Plot 2 harvest results show no statistical difference in yield between the sulfur replications (55 bushels/acre) and the no sulfur (check) replications (53 bushels/acre). These results produced a negative net return to sulfur of $2.01/acre, which was not statistically different. Similar results are found in Plot 3. The sulfur replications produced a yield of 63 bushels/acre, while the no sulfur (check) replications resulted in a yield of 62 bushels/acre. These results were not statistically different and generated a negative return to sulfur of nearly $11/acre. These research results have been shared with farmers at multiple agronomy meetings throughout Central Ohio during the past two years. Survey data from these meetings show that farmers would require a consistent increase in net return of $5 per acre to adopt a new practice. A series of educational videos were created with the farmers and the Extension Educators explaining the importance of on-farm research. The videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqVwZQCBHpC6yRd6tzOiRmA.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Rob Leeds, F. John Barker, Jacci Smith, Rachel Leggett
  1. Leeds, R. Area Leader, ANR Educator, OSU Extension - Delaware County, Ohio, 43015
  2. Barker, F. Extension Educator, Agriculture, OSU Extension - Knox County, Ohio, 43050
  3. Smith, J. Extension Educator ANR/4-H, OSU Extension - Delaware County, Ohio, 43015
  4. Leggett, R. Extension Associate, OSU Extension - Delaware County, Ohio, 43015