This continuing project addresses if soil management be used to increase soybean yield and protein quality in the Mid-Atlantic. Recent surveys suggest sulfur deficiency. Legumes need sulfur to make protein. Besides protein quality, sulfur may have an impact on yield. This project studies the extent of sulfur deficiency in Maryland soybeans and how treatments may improve protein quality. The plants and seed produced will be extensively analyzed for sulfur content and the amino acid profile of the seed determined. Work also continues on development of rapid, in-field methods to measure sulfur, using portable X-ray fluorescence.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents