Sulphur 90 is an advanced agricultural product specifically designed to deliver elemental sulphur to pastures and crops efficiently. It consists of fine particles of elemental sulphur captured within a bentonite clay prill, engineered for superior dispersion and availability in soil.
This specialized formulation ensures that when Sulphur 90 is added to a tank of liquid, the elemental sulphur particles become readily suspended. Once applied to pasture, the sulphur particles are released from the prill and, due to their exceptionally small size, are immediately available to soil micro-organisms. These microbes then convert the elemental sulphur into a form that plants can readily absorb, enhancing nutrient cycling and plant growth.
Composition and Mechanism of Action
Sulphur 90 leverages a unique combination of elemental sulphur and bentonite clay to optimize nutrient delivery:
- Elemental Sulphur: The active ingredient, present in a micronized form. This small particle size is crucial for rapid microbial conversion in the soil.
- Bentonite Clay: Acts as a carrier, binding the fine sulphur particles into a prill. This clay allows for easy handling, storage, and suspension in liquid applicators.
The mechanism of Sulphur 90 works as follows:
- Suspension: When mixed with water, the bentonite clay prills begin to swell and disperse, releasing the fine elemental sulphur particles into the liquid solution.
- Application: The suspended solution is then applied to the pasture or crop area.
- Release and Availability: Upon contact with soil, the bentonite continues to break down, freeing the micronized sulphur particles. These particles are immediately accessible to soil microbes.
- Microbial Conversion: Soil bacteria convert the elemental sulphur (S) into sulphate (SO₄²⁻), the form of sulphur that plants can directly absorb through their roots. This process ensures a continuous supply of available sulphur.
Why Sulphur is Essential for Pasture Health
Sulphur is a macro-nutrient vital for the healthy growth and productivity of pastures and forage crops. It plays several critical roles in plant physiology:
- Protein Synthesis: Sulphur is a key component of amino acids (cysteine, methionine), which are the building blocks of proteins. Adequate sulphur is crucial for high-quality forage.
- Enzyme Activity: It participates in the formation of enzymes that regulate numerous metabolic processes within the plant.
- Chlorophyll Formation: Sulphur is essential for the production of chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis.
- Nitrogen Utilization: It works synergistically with nitrogen, improving the plant's ability to utilize nitrogen effectively. A deficiency in sulphur can lead to inefficient nitrogen uptake, even when nitrogen is plentiful.
- Disease Resistance: Sulphur contributes to the plant's natural defense mechanisms against pests and diseases.
Benefits of Using Sulphur 90
Utilizing a product like Sulphur 90 offers distinct advantages for agricultural applications:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fine Elemental Sulphur | Ensures rapid conversion by soil micro-organisms, making sulphur available quickly after application. |
| Bentonite Clay Carrier | Facilitates easy mixing and suspension in liquid applicators, allowing for flexible application methods. |
| Immediate Availability | Sulphur particles are instantly ready for microbial action due to their small size, leading to faster nutrient cycling. |
| Improved Pasture Quality | Enhances protein content and overall nutritional value of forage. |
| Enhanced Nitrogen Uptake | Optimizes the plant's use of nitrogen fertilizers, leading to better growth and reduced nutrient waste. |
| Sustainable Nutrient Supply | Contributes to healthy soil biology by supporting beneficial microbial populations. |
Practical Application and Considerations
Sulphur 90 is typically applied as a suspension in water, often integrated into existing spray programs. To maximize its effectiveness, consider the following:
- Soil Testing: Regular soil tests help identify existing sulphur deficiencies and determine the appropriate application rates.
- Timing: Apply Sulphur 90 at critical growth stages or when soil sulphur levels are low, often in conjunction with other nutrient applications.
- Uniform Coverage: Ensure even distribution across the pasture for consistent nutrient availability to all plants.
- Compatibility: Check compatibility with other liquid fertilizers or crop protection products if tank-mixing.
For more information on the role of sulphur in agriculture and soil health, consult resources from reputable agricultural extensions such as Purdue University's extension on sulphur in crop production: Purdue University Extension - Sulfur
