Amending Soil with Tiger 90CR® Sulphur
The world population continues to increase and demand for quality food supply increases. Several factors have contributed to significant increases in crop production, which includes improved hybrids/varieties, technology, and plant nutrient management. Maximizing crop yield potential on each acre/hectare requires attention to details. The scope of this discussion will focus on soil conditions and adding amendments like Tiger 90CR Sulphur to enhance plant nutrient availability. Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve its characteristics that are more conducive to root growth and enhance nutrient uptake. Soil conditions that are predominant in western North America, but occur to lesser extent in other areas, include alkaline, saline, sodic, and saline/sodic soils (Table 1.0).
Table 1.0: Classification of adverse soil conditions
1 – If reported as exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), use 15% as threshold value.
Source: R. M. Waskom & et al. 2012. Diagnosing Saline and Sodic Soil Problems.
Fact Sheet 521 Colorado State University Extension.
Some basic definitions to better understand the various issues:
1) alkaline soil – high soil pH > 7.5
2) saline soil – high salt content
3) sodic soil – high sodium content
4) saline/sodic soil – high salt and high sodium content (Image 1.0)
Image 1.0: Very dry high-clay, saline/sodic soil.
Image Source: USDA D186-10
Each of these soil conditions has specific causes and symptoms that result in adverse effects to plant growth. Oftentimes, these soil conditions are confused, so a correct diagnosis is critical to a successful outcome. The best diagnostic tool to confirm a specific soil problem is a soil sample analysis.
To continue learning about soil pH and these differing soil conditions, visit the Tiger-Sul University to read the full Tiger-Sul Technical Bulletin this article is based upon at: www.tigersul.com/soil-amending
Please visit www.tigersul.com for more information about Tiger 90CR Sulphur as a soil amendment and a plant nutrient.