The Influence of Sulfur and Phosphorus Fertilization on the Secondary and Trace Element Nutrition of Corn

The specific objectives of the studies reported here are to determine the desirable rate of sulfur application in each of the three different soils used, the influence of sulfur and phosphorus fertilization on the utilization of macro- and micro- elements by corn plants, and the interaction of sulfur with other soil elements. Three kinds of soils, acid, neutral and calcareous, were collected from two locations of eastern and central Nebraska. It is concluded that as elemental sulfur is added to soil three important changes take place: an oxidation-reduction reaction, an increase in the sulfate ion concentration and production of a large amount of hydrogen ions. Advisor: R. A. Olson