Objective 1-Identify yield response in soybean to sulfur fertilizer applications and conduct economic analyses on the value of these applications: This trial will be conducted at six onfarm locations (Henry, Sandusky, Mercer, Morrow, Preble, and Clinton Counties) in 2020. Plots will consist of six rows of soybean spaced 15-inches apart. The center four soybean rows will be harvested for yield measurements to allow for at least two border rows between plots. The trial will be a randomized complete block design with four replications of treatments. The treatment list is shown in Table 1. Sulfur containing fertilizers for each of the treatments will be surfaced applied after planting. A non-S nitrogen check will be added to separate any S response from N containing S products.
Data to be collected includes soil samples at planting at an eight inch depth from each replication of the trial and measured for physical and chemical properties (pH, P, K, OM, Ca, Mg, CEC, and texture). Grain samples will be collected from each plot for protein and oil analysis. Plots will be harvested for grain yield and adjusted to 13% grain moisture concentration.
Objective 2- Identify yield response in soybean to foliar fertilizer applications and conduct economic analyses on the value of these applications: This trial will be conducted at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station (Wood County) and Western Agricultural Research Station (Clark County) in 2020. Plots will consist of seven rows of soybean spaced 15-inches apart. The center five soybean rows will be harvested for yield measurements to allow for at least two border rows between plots. The trial will be a randomized complete block design with four replications of treatments. The treatment list is shown in Table 2. We will use commonly marketed products for foliar fertilizer use in soybean with a national footprint. All products will be applied at the R3 growth stage using a carbon dioxide-pressurized handheld backpack sprayer.
Soil samples will be collected at soybean planting at an eight inch depth from each trial location and measured for physical and chemical properties (texture, CEC, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter, and pH). Soil samples will be analyzed by A&L Lab- Fort Wayne. Within 24 hours prior to foliar product application and two weeks after application, the uppermost fully developed trifoliolate will be collected (petiole removed) from approximately 20-25 soybean plants per
plot. Trifoliolates will be placed in paper bags and dried at 140°F for 72 hours. Macro- and micronutrient concentration will be analyzed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. At harvest, grain samples will be collected from each plot for protein and oil analysis. Plots will be harvested for grain yield and adjusted to 13% grain moisture concentration.
Data will be analyzed both locally and nationally to determine response trends across broad scales. Results will be summarized and disseminated to growers with relevant Extension outreach (publications, videos, social media, etc) and a peer-reviewed publication.
Objective 3- Extend results to soybean growers through extension networks: Data will be analyzed at both the state and national-level. Reports will be available to soybean growers at stepupsoy.osu.edu similar to projects previously funded by Ohio Soybean Council. National level reports will also be available online and submitted to a journal as a peer-reviewed publication. Data will also be presented at extension meetings and field days.