Use of Sulfur in Soybean Fields and its Association with Soil Types

Thumbnail Image
Date
2020-01-01
Authors
Clark, Abigail
Major Professor
Dr. Renuka Mathur
Dr. Allen Knapp
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Organizational Unit
Agronomy

The Department of Agronomy seeks to teach the study of the farm-field, its crops, and its science and management. It originally consisted of three sub-departments to do this: Soils, Farm-Crops, and Agricultural Engineering (which became its own department in 1907). Today, the department teaches crop sciences and breeding, soil sciences, meteorology, agroecology, and biotechnology.

History
The Department of Agronomy was formed in 1902. From 1917 to 1935 it was known as the Department of Farm Crops and Soils.

Dates of Existence
1902–present

Historical Names

  • Department of Farm Crops and Soils (1917–1935)

Related Units

Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Agronomy
Abstract

Over the years sulfur deposition from the air has been on a continuous decline. This is significantly due to the Clean air act of 1970.The decrease in sulfur deposition has led to a decrease of sulfur in the soil and consequently has lowered sulfur intake for plants. Sulfur is a key nutrient in plants, including soybeans, and low sulfur content can lead to a decrease in overall yield. Studies have been performed by adding sulfur to soybeans, but the results vary across the board on if additional sulfur increases soybean yield. The question this research will try to prove is, soybean yield response to sulfur fertilizer depends on soil type. To test this hypothesis randomized block field trials were set up to test one hundred pounds of ammonium sulfate (AMS) compared to the control of zero pounds across two soil types of Brookston and Crosby. Brookston and Crosby types were chosen for their difference in organic matter. The results showed there was no significant difference in yield by soil type comparing the AMS to the control. The results did show there was an economic advantage to applying AMS to the Crosby soil type. This field trial showed research needs to include statistical analysis and an economic analysis to show the true findings.

Comments
Description
Keywords
Citation
DOI
Source
Subject Categories
Copyright
Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2020