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Two Years of Sulfur Fertilization Responses of Mixed Cool-Season Forages

Applied Research

Dan Lima
OSU Extension Educator
Saint Clairsville

Abstract

Historically, eastern Ohio has had some of the highest sulfur (S) soil test levels in the state due to the impact of coal energy production and atmospheric deposition. Presently we have seen soil test S reflected in Mehlich 3 (M3) analyses often report low (<15 ppm). When amending the soil, elemental sulfur or sulfate are the two forms to add S. Elemental sulfur takes many months to react and will cause acidification. Sulfate is found in many fertilizers and is readily available for plant uptake. To evaluate the impacts of sulfur-based fertilizers on forages, we summarize data from two years, 2023 and 2025. Fields from three counties in eastern Ohio with mixed, cool-season grasses were chosen for the study to compare yield and quality response to application of common fertilizer sources. A two-year soil evaluation of sulfur in Jefferson Co. averaged 7.6 ppm, Licking Co. 9.2 ppm, and Muskingum Co. 15.3 ppm. Urea applications were applied at the rate of 110 lb/A; Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) at 238 lb/A; while the control received no input. Fertilizer applications were applied in late July and plots were harvested early September for evaluation of dry matter and quality. When examining the effects of both urea and AMS: crude protein (CP) (P<.0004) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P<.05) both had significant changes independent of fertilizer types. Dry matter production results for the years 2023 and 2025 were averaged by location. Location and year did not have significant interaction, regardless of high or low S locations. Location and treatment were significant. Under the conditions experienced over 6 sites & 2 years in this experiment, the addition of sulfur did not improve pounds of dry matter, CP%, ADF%, or TDN% over the addition of nitrogen alone. This study supports the use of nitrogen to increase production. Addition of nitrogen in the form of either urea or AMS led to similar increases in dry matter production over control plots regardless of soil sulfur test designated as low or high in both years 2023 and 2025.

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

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Dan Lima, Jason Hartschuh, Dean Kreager, Clifton Martin
  1. Lima, D. OSU Extension Educator, The Ohio State University , Ohio, 43950
  2. Hartschuh, J. Field Specialist, Assistant Professor , The Ohio State University , Ohio, 43420
  3. Kreager, D. OSU Extension Educator, The Ohio State University , Ohio, 43055
  4. Martin, C. OSU Extension Educator, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University , Ohio, 43701