The influence of time application of gypsum and elemental sulphur on the pasture response to sulphur

Abstract

Gypsum and elemental sulphur were compared as sulphur fertilizers at three times of application on pasture growing on a sulphur deficient basaltic soil. There was no substitute for early sulphur applications. Sulphur was required early in the growth cycle of the pasture plants for maximum yields. Gypsum was the more productive fertilizer of the two forms used, and showed to particular advantage under the adverse conditions of late application, or dry seasonal conditions. It had greater flexibility in the time when it could be used because it was the more readily available form. Elemental sulphur had a greater residual value than gypsum because the initial utilization of sulphur from this form was less than from gypsum. However, the total recovery of sulphur was no greater from elemental sulphur than from gypsum. Evidence is presented which suggests that this greater residual value of the elemental form is of little benefit on this non-leaching soil.