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South Dakota

My recent spring soil test recommends 8 lbs/1000 sq ft. of elemental sulfur. Late last fall I had added 8 lbs/1000 sq ft. I use prilled product. Would have the test even detected the fall applied product, meaning I am good to go, or do I go ahead and add another 8 lbs this spring. My soil test from Western Labs list my pH as 7.2 this spring. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

3/18/2024 9:12:24 AM

Grittyville, WA

You're good to go, imho. The next way optimize things or tinker with something... check the ph of your irrigation water. You can only do so much to the soil itself before it becomes self defeating... imho.

3/18/2024 1:41:03 PM

South Dakota

I can still see many of the prills still undissolved in and on top of the soil. Actually removed a prill from one of the sample cores before putting it in the bucket. No exceptionally high moisture over the winter, dryer than normal actually.

3/18/2024 4:49:10 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yeah they can take a few years to break down. If you take the prills out of the soil sample you sent in, then you'll have to factor that into your results... But it was probably wise to take them out to get a more accurate baseline test. I'm curious as to your test results.

3/18/2024 5:56:04 PM

Partlow,Va

7.2 you are okay

3/19/2024 8:00:29 AM

Mission Viejo, CA

It sounds like its still breaking down Lance. Sulfur is extremely slow. If it were me, I would not add any more.

3/19/2024 11:18:48 AM

Syracuse, NY

It says 7.5. If you are trying to lower your pH, add the DuStINg of Elemental Sulfur and the other that is there will still be supplementing and perhaps add to the total upon tilling the other amendment(s) in. Also, I've seen it many times that a pH of 6.8 minimum is the preferred pH (for AGs, anyway). Of course, good luck---eric g
---PS---Already added and not yet where you want it, and I'm personally 'worried' that the eval says 'slightly basic**'...
GL---eg

[Last edit: 03/21/24 8:56:27 PM]

3/19/2024 6:39:59 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Like KC Kevin said, I wouldn't add any until the end of the season. I added mine before winter this year and I'm right at 6.5 for ph. I also feel it takes time to really break down.

3/21/2024 10:14:12 AM

check your ph of water

3/21/2024 2:27:15 PM

Syracuse, NY

I stand self-corrected about the meaning of 'basic**'
(Acids and Bases), but LJ, why on earth would you follow a soil report and its recommendations? I mean, really...(Sorry for sarcasm, too late)...

If anything, I'd not use prilled, long-lasting and slow-release of something you want faster results from.
That might be good for a fertilizer, though.
All food for thought, lol---eric g

[Last edit: 03/22/24 7:25:48 PM]

3/21/2024 8:55:31 PM

South Dakota

Eric, I'm not questioning the test results nor the recommendations. My concern is that with the fall application the soil temp has not allowed any breakdown of the fall applied, hence I feel like I have already applied the recommended amount. I am going to hold off this spring application and use ammonium sulfate to meet the N recommendation. The sulfate should help to bring the initial pH down until the prills start breaking down. I have always used prilled, really did not know there are alternatives.

3/22/2024 8:30:56 AM

Syracuse, NY

'T'sall right, man, and my sarcasm was lost due to my computer having been in the shop until I could get on BP and rant at the earliest convenience - (crickets)...I now have the bugs worked out of it. I had edited that several times to soften it up. So, you are doing exactly what I was saying, anyway, it appears, *in your own weigh*. I was merely saying to go for it and add what it says rather than (maybe - you'd have to do another soil test to even find out) wait for the already-not-there-yet train. You've got it, though. Good luck---eric g

3/22/2024 7:24:52 PM

Syracuse, NY

If I were you, I'd call the lab that you paid money to and ask them what to do. Normally, growers on here are all about following the soil test results. 'Get a soil test done and go by that'; You'll need to know how much ammonium sulfate to add, anyway, I do believe. I will not comment on this further, for I am no expert. Maybe someday, lol---Honestly, grow BIG! eg

3/22/2024 7:59:59 PM