Farmers are extremely interested in applying sulfur fertilizer and foliar fertilizers, which contain a cadre of nutrients in low amounts, to help increase soybean yield. Sulfur is a critical element for soybean growth and development. Sulfur deposition levels have been declining for decades. Sulfate is released from soil organic matter when microbial activity is optimal for that process. For higher soybean yields some farmers are concerned that the soil organic matter is not releasing enough sulfur when the plants need it. On foliar fertilizers, some farmers suspect that small doses of nutrients during pod development will help improve yield.

Objectives:
1) Identify yield response in soybean to sulfur fertilizer applications
2) Conduct economic analyses on the value of these products
3) Extend results to soybean growers through the Extension networks
Farmers will benefit from learning if sulfur or foliar fertilizers improve seed composition and/or yield. Farmers benefit from understanding if and how much sulfur and/or foliar fertilizers are needed. Farmers benefit from make better agronomic and economic decisions

1) Identify yield response in soybean to foliar nutrient applications (both single nutrient application and commonly marketed packages)
2) Conduct economic analyses on the value of these products
3) Extend results to soybean growers through the Extension networks

Soybeans in Princeton and Lexington, KY were treated with different types and rates of sulfur fertilizer to examine their impact on soybean yield, oil and protein. Soybean yields from the sulfur treatments were not significantly different than the non-treated check at either location. Princeton had lower yields than Lexington, but a low rate of Urea (9 lb N per acre) increased soybean yield at Princeton. Higher rates of Urea did not affect yields compared to the non-treated check. At Lexington, the sulfur and nitrogen treatments did not affect oil or protein concentrations. Data from these trials were combined with similar studies from other states. Those results will be shared on several platforms including the Science for Success webinars and Coolbeans.info website.