Location: Crop Production Systems Research
Project Number: 6066-30500-003-006-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2026
End Date: Mar 31, 2027
Objective:
The objectives of the study are, 1) to quantify the effect of elemental sulfur application at three rates (0, 22 and 44 kg ha-1) on soybean growth, yield and quality parameters, and 2) develop remote sensing-based approach for in-season assessment of yield and quality parameters. A producer’s financial success can hang on optimal inputs with outputs that result in optimal quality and high yield per dollar invested. This work will help define optimal input related to sulfur amounts and develop within season monitoring approaches using remote sensing.
Approach:
The study will be conducted at the USDA ARS facility in Stoneville, MS, using a large field setting of approximately 5 ha (two 2.5 ha fields). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications will be implemented. Each block/Replication will extend across the field in a strip trial format. Within each block individual treatment (S rate) plots width will be at least three machine passes (8 rows planter or combine width x 3 passes = 24rows). Treatments will include three elemental sulfur (ES) rates.
Within each plot, a minimum of four georeferenced points will be established for soil and plant sampling. Prior to planting, soil samples will be collected and analyzed for nutrient status, including sulfur.
At maturity, the field will be harvested using a combine harvester, and subsamples will be collected for seed quality analysis, including fiber, protein, oil, fatty acid profile, and critical amino acid composition. Data will be analyzed to identify appropriate response functions using linear or non linear models for yield and quality parameters. Mean separation will be conducted using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level of P < 0.05.