When lowering the ph of soil do I HAVE to use soil sulfur?
Can I use other types of sulfur when lowering the ph soil?
The most common forms are Elemental Sulphur and Aluminum Sulphate but there are other methods that will work. Sulphur coated urea which also will add nitrogen, diammonium phosphate, ferric sulphate, ammonium nitrate and even peat. As the organic material increases the soil pH may also decrease.
Lowering natural soil pH is a very difficult chore and is an ongoing process. Aluminum Sulphate is quicker but the soil returns to it's natural state quicker. Elemental Sulphur takes longer to adjust and lasts longer. Peat will add organics, Sulphur coated urea increases nitrogen. My soil is naturally in the 8.3-8.5 range and this requires me to add sulphur every three years to get the range into the 7s, 7.5-7.7.
Do a good soil test sent to a State Extension lab or like me since our State Extension no longer does soil testing, to a private lab. The tests are cheap and tell you exactly what to do and the rates to be applied. Then plan on adjusting your pH forever.
Lowering natural soil pH is a very difficult chore and is an ongoing process. Aluminum Sulphate is quicker but the soil returns to it's natural state quicker. Elemental Sulphur takes longer to adjust and lasts longer. Peat will add organics, Sulphur coated urea increases nitrogen. My soil is naturally in the 8.3-8.5 range and this requires me to add sulphur every three years to get the range into the 7s, 7.5-7.7.
Do a good soil test sent to a State Extension lab or like me since our State Extension no longer does soil testing, to a private lab. The tests are cheap and tell you exactly what to do and the rates to be applied. Then plan on adjusting your pH forever.