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Sulfur Response by Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on a Sulfur-Deficient Soil¹

Field experiments were conducted in a S-deficient area in Minnesota to determine the soil S status, atmospheric contributions of S, and the response of alfalfa to S fertilization. In general the sulfate — S, the available S, and the reserve and total S in the soil were higher than is normally expected in S responsive soils. The average annual addition of S to the soil from atmospheric sources was 5.4 kg/ha (4.8 lb/acre) at the rural experimental site and 27.4 kg/ha (24.4 lb/acre) at a metropolitan area site. Alfalfa responded to all S treatments regardless of the material source. Treated plots yielded three times as much alfalfa as the check plots. Increases were obtained from residual as well as annual applications. Elemental S was as effective as gypsum in increasing alfalfa yields. Sulfur treatments significantly decreased the mortality of young alfalfa. The critical S level in mature alfalfa tissue ranged from .12 to .15% and the highest yields were obtained above 0.3%.

Key Words: Atmospheric sulfur • Precipitation sulfur • Dorset sandy loam • Gypsum • Recovery of S

² Research Assistant, Professor of Soil Science, and Teaching Assistant, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55101.

Received for publication August 21, 1968.