ATS

Free atmospheric sulfur is almost non-existent these days. So much like corn - farmers need to add sulfur to their fertilizer blend for our soybean crop. Responses to sulfur applications seem to vary - but soil is soil - and we see a more consistent result to the addition of sulfur in sandier soils with low organic matter. We recommend applying sulfur in the spring if you are working with sandy soils - if you’d like to know the science behind that, ask a Liqui-Grow Agronomy Field Advisor. We also tend to see a more consistent result in fields planted early with a higher % OM. - we think about the fields in our Northern territory. This could be because the soil has not yet warmed up enough to mineralize the nutrients the soybeans are looking for. Think about a frozen dinner - it’s not very good to us still frozen.

Sulfur Application

In this study - Dr. Jake has found that by adding sulfur we see a yield bump in soybean yields. The sulfur source in this research trial was ATS or ammonium thiosulfate. The analysis of ATS is 12-0-0-26, of which you can see, has Nitrogen in the analysis. The N source was UAN or 32% more commonly known.  There are very few straight sulfur products that are efficient and easy to handle.  That is why there is not a sulfur only product in these trial sets.

The Results

Aledo showed a 3.3 bu increase from the check to ATS being added at the planter.
Hampton showed 11.6 bu increase from the check to ATS being added at the planter.
The average between the 2 locations was just shy of 7.5 bu by adding ATS with the planter. So, it really does show that our soybeans plants are deficient in sulfur - much like corn.

How to Feed the Crop

ATS is a great form of sulfur that can go on preplant or preemerge in soybeans. Do not apply ATS to a crop once it has emerged, and do not apply ATS as a foliar application. ATS can be put on with the planter as Jake did in his research trials, just NOT in-furrow.

If you haven’t tried ATS on your soybeans yet - try a few fields - or strips in one field.  To learn more about sulfur needs for your soybean crop - contact your Liqui-Grow Agronomy Field Advisor today!

Questions? Give us a shout!

Text us at 564-220-2508 or email questions@liqui-grow.com.