Green World

AN INDUSTRYWIDE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION

Vol. 15 NO. 1

June 1985

Sulfur Its Activity in the Soil and Plants

Roy Flannery and Ralph Engel

Soil Sulfur

Sulfur constitutes approximately 0.1 
percent of the earth’s crust. It may be 
found in the mineral fraction of the soils 
as elemental sulfur, combined sulfur in 
metal sulfide ores and as combined sul­
fur in mineral sulfates. Plants take up 
the sulfate (SO4-2) form of sulfur from 
soils. Therefore, sulfur in lower oxida­
tion states, such as elemental sulfur, 
must be oxidized before it becomes 
available to plants. Elemental sulfur is 
converted to sulfate by biological oxida­
tion. The oxidation of elemental sulfur 
is affected by its particle size; particles 
smaller than 60-mesh are oxidized quite 
rapidly. Soil temperature between 86 
and 100° F. favor oxidation of elemen­
tal sulfur. Sulfur oxidation is also fa­
vored by high soil moisture levels.

Sulfur dioxide is chemically and bio­
logically converted to sulfate in soils. 
Sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form 
sulfurous acid which in turn reacts with 
soil constituents to form sulfite salts. 
The sulfite salts are oxidized to sulfates 
either chemically or biologically. Sulfur 
bacteria, Thiobacillus, oxidize elemen­
tal sulfur to sulfuric acid. Sulfur dioxide 
and water in the air are responsible for 
sulfuric acid that adds to the acidity of 
the soil and natural waters. This source 
of sulfur contributes to acid rain which 
is caused by approximately two parts 
sulfur dioxide and one part nitrous 
oxides.

The end product in all sulfur reactions 
in soils is sulfate. In humid regions sul­
fate is often leached from the upper part 
of the soil profile, and it will accumulate 
in subsurface horizons. Under very high 
rainfall conditions, soluble sulfate salts 
can be completely removed from some 
medium to coarse textured soils.

Many highly weathered soils in re­
gions of high rainfall contain appreci­
able quantities of absorbed sulfate in 
their subsoils. The most important con­
ditions favoring this adsorption are:

Paul DesChamps (right) received the 1984 New Jersey Turfgrass Association Award at last 
December’s Expo Banquet. He is receiving congratulations from Dave McGhee, outgoing 
president of NJTA. Paul received this award for his enthusiasm, constructive ideas, and never 
ceasing support of turfgrass and NJTA.

large amounts of clay; presence of hy­
drous iron and aluminum oxides; low 
soil pH; high sulfate concentration; slow 
or impeded movement of soil solution; 
and the presence of weakly-held anions 
such as nitrate and chloride. Liming and 
phosphate fertilization both reduce the 
soil’s ability to adsorb sulfate. Adsorb­
ed sulfate is an important source of sul­
fur for some plants that have deep root 
systems and long growing seasons, 
even though it may be less available 
than soluble sulfate.

Soil properties can provide helpful 
clues about plant needs for sulfur fer­
tilization. Sulfur-deficient soils are 
usually low in organic matter, sandy in 
texture, and well drained. Total soil ni­
trogen and organic matter are closely re­
lated to total sulfur in soils. High nitro­
gen fertilization can change the nitrogen 
to sulfur ratio in soils and may lead to 
sulfur deficiencies over time.

Plant Needs for Sulfur

In the early sixties, sulfur deficiencies 
in plants had been identified in 13 
states. By the end of the 1970’s the num­
ber had grown to 36. The problem may 
be even more widespread today. The 
northeast is considered to have less sul­
fur deficiency problems than most other 
parts of the country.

Three major causes of reduced soil 
sulfur levels are: the reduction of inci­
dental sulfur in commonly applied fer­
tilizers, such as superphosphate; the re­
duction in atmospheric sulfur dioxide 
due to pollution control programs; and 
more intensive cropping programs 
which deplete soil sulfur levels more 
rapidly.

Crop benefit from sulfur received lit­
tle consideration 25-50 years ago. Until 
the 1950’s, most fertilizers used in this 
country contained large amounts of sul- 
continued on page 3

Comments and Opinions . . Yours and Ours

LETTERS WE ENJOY!
The following are comments from a re­
cent letter written by Lynda Johnson of 
Pickseed.
“Dear Dr. Engel:

A while back you wrote an article on 
the mixability of ryegrass with Kentucky 
bluegrass. We found this article to be 
most useful but unfortunately it has been 
misplaced in our office.

Would it be possible for use to receive 
another copy? It would be most ap­
preciated as it was a popular paper for 
reading and distribution.

Thank you.”
The article of reference was written by 
Gibeault, et al. and was reprinted in Green 
World (Vol. II #3 of 1981). The conclusion 
of the study was “mixes of Kentucky 
bluegrass and perennial ryegrass (a mix­
ture of Manhattan and Pennfine) practical­
ly eliminated ‘Fusarium blight’ activity”. 
Dr. Reed Funk of Rutgers University and 
Dr. William Meyer of Turf Seed, inc. have 
reported this same effect — a nice nat­
ural control of a problem!

Dr. Ralph Engel
Consulting Editor,
“Green World”
Dear Ralph,

For sometime now I have intended to 
write this note letting you know how 
much I enjoy reading the issues of 
“Green World.” Yours has become one 
of the few publications that offer raw 
scientific data or research findings to 
the turfgrass professional. Most are di­
rectly applicable and useful. Your com­
ments are especially appreciated in that 
further thought is provoked — some­
thing that few of us do!

Please express these thoughts and 
appreciation to powers that be within 
NJTA.

Sincerely,

Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS 
New Canan, Conn.
Dec. 1984

Enhancing
Roundup

Research reports presented at the 
Northeastern Weed Control Conference 
in January 1985 indicated that, with the 
use of FRIGATE surfactant, the rate of 
ROUNDUP could be reduced consid­
erably and still obtain acceptable con­
trol. Ed Beste, University of Maryland, 
indicated that FRIGATE was the only ad­
ditive that enhanced ROUNDUP activity 
at 0.25 Lb Al/A (1/2 pint) adequately to 
provide full season suppression of ber- 
mudagrass. The spring treatment pro­
vided 90% Bermudagrass control.

John Ahrens, Connecticut Agricul­
tural Experimentation Station, showed 
that ROUNDUP activity on rye was en­
hanced with the surfactant FRIGATE 
but not with X-77. His data show that rye 
kill at 0.28 Lb Al/A with 0.5% FRIGATE 
was equal to 0.56 Lb Al/A with no 
additive.

Morrow of University of Maine show­
ed that FRIGATE improved ROUNDUP 
efficacy in the control of quackgrass 
and may have increased the yield of the 
oat crop following treatment.

Bill Duke of Cornell University, how­
ever, indicated that there were some 
slight differences from adding FRIGATE 
but they were insignificant.

How to find out if FRIGATE really 
does enhance ROUNDUP activity? Try 
it yourself. Cut the rate of ROUNDUP in 
half and add 0.5% v/v of FRIGATE to the 
spray tank. That’s 65 1/2 ounces of 
FRIGATE/gallon of water (don’t forget- 
to put the ROUNDUP in!).

John A. Meade 
Extension Specialist in 
Weed Science

Imagination was given to man to com­
pensate him for what he is not; a sense 
of humor to console him for what he is.
Frances Bacon

It is not hard to find the truth; what is 
hard is not to run away from it once you 
have found it. ”

Etienne Gilson

Not all those who are attempting to con­
duct successful business are profiteers.
C. Coolidge

It is well to think well; it is divine to act 
well.

Horace Mann

ABSTRACT: Effect of Acidity and 
N Source on the Growth and Thatch Ac­
cumulation of Tifgreen Bermudagrass in 
Florida from J. B. Saratin’s Study — 
Agron. Journal 77:33-36, 1985.

Treatments were applied on a five- 
year-old Tifgreen bermudagrass turf 
growing on a loamy fine sand. Three N 
sources (Ammonium sulfate (Amm S), 
Isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) and ac­
tivated sewage sludge (SS) were ap­
plied. Clippings were collected every 45 
days for growth rate and N uptake 
estimates and cores for thatch ac­
cumulation estimates were collected 
after each of three growing seasons. 
Maximum growth rates occurred at pH 
less than 4.0. Overall turfgrass quality 
was not significantly influenced by N 
source or frequency of application. 
Acidity promoted thatch accumulation, 
except in the presence of applied Ca. A 
higher pH and lower thatch readings oc­
curred with IBDU. Thatch accumulation 
was greater on plots receiving (Amm S).
Editor's Comment: This supports find­
ings on cool-season grasses and shows 
a role for lime.

OFFICERS OF THE N.J.T.A.

Joe DeSantis, President 
Douglas Mosley, Vice President 
Ralph Engel, Secretary 
William Ritchie, Treasurer 
Dave McGhee, Past President 
Henry Indyk, Expo Chairman

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Samuel Leon
Joseph Dodgson
Richard Hurley
Joseph W. Manning, Jr.
James Stewart 
Robert Dobson 
William A. Nist 
John Poksay 
Ed Milewski

Green World is published three times a 
year by the New Jersey Turfgrass 
Association, P.O. Box 231, New 
Brunswick, NJ 08903. Ralph Engel, con­
sulting editor; Veronica M. Malone, 
managing editor. Please address in­
quiries concerning advertising to 
William Nist, Lebanon Chemical Co., 
Dayton, NJ 08810. (201) 329-4011

Sulfur Activity 

continued from page 1

fur as impurities. Superphosphate and 
ammonium sulfate which contained 12 
and 24 percent sulfur, respectively, were 
two of the most widely used nutrient 
sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in 
N-P-K fertilizers. When either or both of 
these fertilizers were used, sufficient 
amounts of sulfur were supplied at the 
same time to meet the crop’s sulfur 
need. These older fertilizer sources have 
been mostly replaced by more concen­
trated fertilizer sources containing 
much less sulfur. For example, concen­
trated superphosphate contains less 
than two percent sulfur and ammonium 
phosphates less than three percent. Am­
monium nitrate, urea and nitrogen solu­
tions normally contain very little or no 
sulfur.

Plants need sulfur because it is a con­
stituent of several amino acids in­
cluding methionone and cystine which 
are essential components of plant and 
animal proteins. Sulfur is important in 
the formation of chlorophyll, even 
though sulfur does not occur in this 
substance.

Visual symptoms may be used to de­
fect sulfur deficiency, but there are limi­
tations in using this approach. By the 
time sulfur-deficiency symptoms are 
evident, the yield and quality of crops 
may be seriously affected. Sulfur defi­
ciency shows as a yellowing similar to 
nitrogen deficiency, but in contrast to 
nitrogen, it is more evident in the new 
or top growth of the plant. Visually, it 
may be confused with iron and zinc 
deficiencies.

Most plants should contain one unit 
of sulfur for every 12 to 15 units of ni­
trogen. Some experts suggest applying 
a five to one ratio of nitrogen to sulfur 
to maintain this balance. Plants need 
approximately as much sulfur as either 
phosphorus or magnesium. Many plants 
need 15 to 30 pounds per acre of sulfur 
per year for normal growth. This need­
ed sulfur may be derived from plant resi­
due decomposition, soil organic matter, 
atmospheric deposits and/or from 
various fertilizer sources.

Editorial Comment:

Dr. Flannery’s comments on 
sulfur in the soil and its role with 
plants are basic to better under­
standing of this element for turf 
and agriculture. The next issue of 
Green World will discuss effects 
of this element on the turfgrass 
plant and the sources that are 
available. 
REE

Can You Tell The Difference?

Reprinted from Green World 1982.
These insects have similar size, movement and appearance. The big-eyed bug is 
a chinchbug predator. Look carefully at any populations before you treat for this 
Lou Vasvary
pest either this month or next year. 

Predator

Chinch Bugs

Golf’s Hardest Shot — A mashie at 90 
yards from the green — The ball was 
played against an oak tree, bounces 
back into a sand trap, hits a rock, 
bounces in the green and rolls into the 
cup. That shot was so difficult that I 
made it only once. 
Zeppo Marx

Agriculture is America’s Oil.

Monsanto

Editorial Comment — This chinch bug 
item is a repeat of three years ago. Dry 
weather has caused some spots in turf 
to show an early and great abundance 
of the reddish young at the base of the 
plant. Their sucking weakens or can kill 
spots of turf. Worse is their potential for 
producing larger populations later in the 
season. Do not let the big-eyed bug trick 
you into treatment.

REE.

NITROFORM 

I.B.D.U.
S.C.U.
And

R
O 
C 
K 
L 
A 
N 
D DOES IT ALL

GRANULAR 
FLOWABLE 

AND
TOTAL

GRANULAR

GRANULAR

LIQUID

SELECTIVE

WETTABLE POWDERS
INSECTICIDES

LIQUID

WETTABLE POWDERS

FUNGICIDES

FERTILIZERS
COMBINATIONS OF 

WITH INSECTICIDES 

And

PRE-EMERGENCE 
CRABGRASS KILLERS
HERBICIDES

Ask your supplier or write:
ROCKLAND
CHEMICAL CO., INC.
 Passaic Ave.. West Caldwell, N.J.

Mystic

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS

Mystic is so aggressive it rapidly 
fills in divot scars and fights Poa 
annua invasion making it ideal for 
use on golf course fairways and 
tees. It possesses the following 
characteristics:
★ Tolerant of close mowing (3/4 ")
★ Provides a dense and

aggressive turf

★ Resists Poa annua invasion
★ Fine texture
★ Bright green color
Mystic was evaluated at Rutgers 
University by Dr. Ralph Engel and 
Dr. C.R. Funk under the experi­
mental designation P-141.
For more information contact your 
local Lofts distributor, or

Lofts Seed, Inc.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805 
(201) 356-8700

LOFTS

Sustaining Members 

April 1985

Superior Chemical Products, Inc. 
NOR-AM Chemical Co.
Bert Jones
Keystone Lawn Spray, Inc.
Grass Roots, Inc.
Leon’s Sod Farm 
A. Lombardi Landscaping 
Garden State Goodall 
Montco/Surf Side 
Dubrow’s Nurseries 
Farmstead Golf & Country Club 
JEP Sales, Inc.
Rapp Sod Farms
Reid Sod Farm
Green Hill Turf Supply
The English Gardeners, Inc.
Florence Landscaping Service, Inc.
Sweeney Seed Co.
Don’s Touch 
Vaughan-Jacklin Corp.
Aquashade, Inc.
Metro Milorganite, Inc.

Double Eagle Equipment Co.
A-L Services, Inc.
Seacoast Laboratories 
MacAndrews & Forbes Co.
O.M. Scott & Sons 
Hoffman LaRoche, Inc. 
Chemlawn Corporation 
Brouwer Turf Equipment 
Burton Landscaping 
Chevron Chemical Co. 
Somerville Equipment Co.
Grass Tech
Green Grass Lawn Maintenance 
Storr Tractor Co.
Wilfred MacDonald, Inc.
National Chemsearch 
Fertl-Soil Co.
Aabar, Inc.
Jade Run Turf & Sod Farm 
D & J Landscaping 
Stanford Seed Co.
Dow Chemical USA 
Garden Dynamics, Inc.
Hummer Turfgrass 
Lofts Seed, Inc.
Rockland Chemical Co., Inc. 
Garfield Williamson, Inc. 
Manasquan River Golf Club 
Newton Country Club

Parkmaster 
The Professional 
for large areas.

Of Ecology 
And Thistles

I have been on a kick against Canada 
thistle. It started several years ago when 
the highway departments omitted mow­
ing or delayed mowing until seed had 
set and scattered in the wind. I wrote let­
ters of compaint on this which did not 
receive much understanding or con­
cerned action.

Canada thistle and other thistles are 
becoming more frequent terrors on land­
scape sites. Canada thistle is not per­
sistent in closely-mowed, good turf 
cover. With higher cuts one well-timed 
mowing per season will control seed- 
heads efficiently. However, this plant 
will persist and spread by rhizomes in 
higher cut, utility-type turf. Dr. Reed 
Funk found spring applications over 
several seasons of our standard broad­
leaf herbicides for dandelions did not 
give control. Our grandparents’ genera­
tions fought this weed relentlessly. It is 
a costly nuisance to agricultural produc­
tion. Further increase of this or other 
thistles makes a bigger and more pain­
ful problem for the future. 
REE

One of the greatest obstacles to suc­
cess is man's inability to put first things 
first.

Charles Roth

LEBANON 

PROFESSIONAL 
TURF PRODUCTS

QUALITY HOMOGENOUS,

FERTILIZERS

The Toro' Parkmaster mows swaths from 30 inches to 18 1/2 feet wide 
-up to 80 acres a day. With a 7 or 9 unit hydraulically-controlled 
frame, it has a compact pattern of gangs for easy mowing, easy 
transporting. The Parkmaster is the mowing
tractor built to take Spartan gangs. Comes with 
powerful gas or diesel engine with cab and roll 
over protection system (ROPS) optional.

TORO

Storr Tractor Co 
3191 U S. Highway 22 
Somerville, NJ 08876 
201/722-9830

The Professionals  That keep you cutting.

Jocobsen Turfcat II GW 224

Wilfred MacDonald, Inc.

340 Main Avenue 
Clifton, NJ 07014 
201-471-0244

•Jacobsen •Olathe 
•National •Gravely 
•Giant Vac •Broyhill 
•Cushman •Howard 
•FMC 
•Smithco

•Terra-Care

ALL WITHIN 
YOUR BUDGET !

LEBANON

LEBANON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
P.O. Box 189 
Dayton, NJ 08810

P.O. Box 180 
Lebanon, PA 17042