Micronized sulfur, uses and benefits
Sulfur is an essential element in determining the productivity and quality of agricultural products. It is also an element that is associated with the tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In agricultural practice, sulfur is widely used in the form of sulfate fertilizers and, to some extent, as sulfite biostimulants. When applied as elemental sulfur, or as micronized sulfur or nano sulfur, both in the soil and in the canopy, it produces a series of changes in its oxidation state.
The end result is S+6 sulfate, which is the source of sulfur that all soil organisms absorb and plants absorb through their root cells. In plant cells, S+6 sulfate is reduced to 2 SS and incorporated into biological molecules.
Various factors modify the behavior of the components of the micronized sulfur cycle in the soil-plant-atmosphere system and this affects the production, quality and stress tolerance of crops. Internal and external factors also affect the cellular production of S − 2 and polysulfides against other S species. The effect of micronized sulfur is compared with sulfates in the context of proper soil management. It is concluded that the use of micronized sulfur is recommended over sulfates, because it is beneficial for the soil microbiome, for the production and nutritional quality of crops, and also increases the tolerance of plants to environmental stresses.
This article first discusses the sources of sulfur in plants, soil, etc., and then explains the effects of micronized sulfur .
Sources of sulfur in plants
The S needed to grow crops in Minnesota can come from one or more sources. The most common are:
Soil organic matter
Approximately 95% of the total S in the soil is found in organic matter. As this organic matter decomposes, the S in organic (mineral) forms of the soil is converted to sulfur sulfate (written as SO4-S). This SO4-S is the only form of S that is taken up by plant roots. The total mineralization of S in organic matter is not completed in a year.
This decomposition process is continuous and takes a considerable amount of time, depending on soil temperature and moisture. Different soils release different amounts of SO4-S from the mineralization process.
Plant residues left over from the previous crop can affect sulfur supply.
Soil minerals
Several minerals in the soil contain some form of S. The S in various minerals is converted to the available SO4-S as these minerals are lost or decomposed during the growing season.
Atmosphere
Most fuels burned for heat, power, and transportation contain some S. When the fuel is burned, the S escapes as sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas. The SO2 is absorbed in precipitation and falls to the soil as SO4-S.
Pesticides
Some pesticides contain S. However, their contribution to the total amount of S in the soil system is very small.
Fertilizers
In the past, commercial fertilizers supplied significant S in addition to the usual N, P2O5, and K2O. Today, with the concentration of fertilizer products and increased analysis, the S content is lower.
Irrigation water
This can be an important source of S for limited areas in Minnesota. Sulfur is present in irrigation water as SO4-S. The amount of SO4-S can vary and can provide most of the S needed by the crop.
Micronized sulfur for plant products
Micronized sulfur with selected particle size by selective aspiration has been shown to be a fungicidal and toxicological treatment for dust.
Micronized sulfur provides complete plant protection, prevents diseases such as oidium and creates a hostile environment for mites.
The high fluidity of the product allows it to reach all parts of the plant.
Allows you to work better with dusting machines or backpacks because it distributes the dust evenly. It does not compact in the hopper. The product flows better, has higher velocity and does not get stuck.
Benefits of Micronized Sulfur
- Sulfur is an excellent element against oidium and has an inhibitory effect on mites and eriophyids.
- Micronized AFEPASA particles have a very broad inhibitory effect at 40 to 70 micrometers, which improves the application of coatings and foliar sprays.
- High fluidity and stability of the product.
- Thanks to the particle size, it combines a shock effect with a lasting effect.
- By blocking various physiological processes of the fungus, it acts as a multi-site and does not develop resistance.
- Less clumping and compaction which can help with excessive homogeneity on fruit and plants, obtaining better dosage and also preventing the formation of aggregates.
- Control of a number of insects and diseases – Fungicide using micronized Gogood is effective against rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew, scale, thrips, scale and mites.
- Use for fruits, vegetables and ornamentals – The product is certified for organic gardening and can be used on apples, beans, cherries, berries, peas, grapes, strawberries and many other fruits and vegetables in your garden.
- Use for animals – Helps control fleas on dogs, horses, cattle, sheep and goats. Can also be used to control flea mites on chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons and other birds of prey.
- Greater effectiveness – The very fine particle size contributes to a film layer formation, better adhesion and greater distribution of particles on the surface of the fruit and leaves, resulting in greater efficiency.
- Organic Gardening – The active ingredient in this product is sulfur, which is a natural chemical that plants need for normal, healthy growth.
- Inert mineral load causes harm to insects.
- Hostile environment against whiteflies in gardening
- Reducing the risk of plant toxicity at high temperatures
- Allows simultaneous control of different fungi.