Sulfur powder is a natural mineral found in the crust of the earth. It is found in the crust of the earth in various sulfur mines. A majority of sulfur used in garden soil is sedimentary in nature and is harvested at a low temperature. Sulfur can also come from volcanic sources and is harvested at a high temperature. Sulfur mainly comes from the USA, France, Sicily, and china.
Now lets find out some of the benefits of using sulfur in the garden!
Benefits of Using Sulfur Powder in the Garden
Over-application of soil amendments, excessive rainfall leaching minerals or long-term crop residue removal can deplete sulfur from soil. Adding some sulfur can help when the pH levels of the soil are too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic). Here are the ways sulfur benefits soil:
Increased soil biodiversity of microorganisms. Biodiversity is important for the overall health of soil, because it helps create a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Different types of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can help to break down organic matter and make nutrients more readily available for plants.
Improved soil structure. Sulfur helps form aggregates, clumps of soil particles held together by natural substances such as mucilage, waxes, or gums. They’re important for soil health because they provide stability and allow water and air to penetrate more easily.
Enhanced nutrient availability. Sulfur helps soil particles to bind together, making it easier for plants to draw nutrients.
Improved plant growth. Sulfur provides plants with essential nutrients. It’s important for the development of chlorophyll, to better absorb light energy from the sun. This results in improved photosynthesis and growth rates.
Increased resistance to pests and diseases. Sulfur helps create a stronger immune system, making the plant harder for pests and diseases to attack.
Moving on, lets turn our attention on some of the ways to use sulfur in the garden!
How to Use Sulfur Powder in the Garden
There are many uses for Sulfur Powder in the garden but we have narrowed this down to the main ways that gardeners like ourselves use this product effectively.
1. Lowers Soil PH Levels
Sulfur powder lowers soil pH because it keeps the soil PH at that level for the longest of any product claiming to lower PH of soil. When added to the soil, bacteria go to work converting the sulfur powder to sulfuric acid, the biological process that lowers the soil’s pH.
It is very effective, but slow; it can take several months to a year. It does occur faster in the summer when temperatures are warmer and bacteria are more active. Apply directly onto the soil, then incorporate into the top three inches by tilling. The amount of sulfur needed will depend on the size of the area you’re amending, the texture of your soil, and what your starting PH is at before application. These determine how quickly the reactions occur.
Periodic soil tests ensure the pH isn’t lowered too much.
2. Treats Sulfur Deficiencies within the Soil
A sulfur deficiency can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and poor fruit production. Other indicators could be an abnormal leaf color, especially a reddish purple hue. Sulfur deficiency in plants can be tricky to diagnose because it looks so much like a nitrogen deficiency, with chlorosis (reduced chlorophyll content and coloration in leaves) the main symptom of both. Other signs of sulfur deficiency include:
Young leaves are stunted;
Spindly stems;
Upper leaves are pale green or yellowing while lower leaves look OK.
Sulfur powder applied at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet, mixed into the top three inches of soil, results in appropriately fertile soil. This treatment increases sulfur content only and does not raise or lower any other nutrients.
3. Sulfur Powder as a Soil Amendment
Sulfur powder is most effectively used as a soil amendment in preparation of soil before planting. Sulfur is good for many types of plants because of its relationship with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Mineral fertilizers containing sulfur can be purchased at most garden supply stores.
Content Created by Hemmer Media Consulting