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    NUTRIENT:

    SULFUR

    Sulfur (S) is a part of every living cell and is important to the formation of proteins.

    Sulfur Supply

    Unlike the other secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium (which plants take up as cations), S is absorbed primarily as the SO₄²⁻ anion. It can also enter plant leaves from the air as dioxide (SO₂) gas.

    Characteristic Odors

    Sulfur is present in several organic compounds that give the characteristic odors to garlic, mustard and onion.

    Amino Acids & Proteins

    Sulfur appears in every living cell and is required for synthesis of certain amino acids (cysteine and methionine) and proteins.

    Photosynthesis

    Sulfur is also important in photosynthesis and for winter crop hardiness.

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    Chlorophyll Formation

    Although S isn't a constituent of chlorophyll, it's still vital in chlorophyll formation.

    Seed Production

    Sulfur aids in seed production.

    Nitrogen Fixation

    Leguminous plants need S for efficient nitrogen fixation.

      • Characteristic Odors

        Sulfur is present in several organic compounds that give the characteristic odors to garlic, mustard and onion.

      • Amino Acids & Proteins

        Sulfur appears in every living cell and is required for synthesis of certain amino acids (cysteine and methionine) and proteins.

      • Photosynthesis

        Sulfur is also important in photosynthesis and for winter crop hardiness.

      • Chlorophyll Formation

        Although S isn't a constituent of chlorophyll, it's still vital in chlorophyll formation.

      • Seed Production

        Sulfur aids in seed production.

      • Nitrogen Fixation

        Leguminous plants need S for efficient nitrogen fixation.

      Sulfur deficiency symptoms

      Symptoms of deficiency can vary across crop species, but similarities exist for how nutrient insufficiency impacts plant tissue color and appearance. Nutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with the physical location on the plant (i.e., whether the symptoms are primarily observed on older versus newly formed plant tissue), but these symptoms can spread as the severity of the deficiency progresses.

      Looking to dig deeper into sulfur?

      To learn more about how Sulfur is supplied and rendered usable for plant growth in the form of sulfate—and why this important nutrient is often found lacking in the soil—check out the Sulfur section in our complete nutrient management guide.

      Explore Nutrient Management