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Sulfur deficiency more prevalent in alfalfa

A recent survey has found one in three alfalfa fields in Michigan sulfur deficient.

Phil Kaatz with Michigan State University Extension tells Brownfield deficiencies are impart related to improving air quality.  “One of the things we’ve seen in the last several decades is that there is less sulfur being deposited and that’s really because of the Clean Air Act.”  Animal manure and organic matter can also provide sulfur to alfalfa plants.

Kaatz says fields that might be sulfur deficient are typically low in organic matter, have sandy soils or lower yields.  “If the farmer notices that he has short, stunted alfalfa plants that are yellow, the leaves will be smaller—then I would say it’s good to get a soil sample.”

He also recommends tissue sampling problem fields in addition to soil sampling every three to four years.

AUDIO: Interview with Phil Kaatz