UK: Sulphur deficiency affects the yield and quality of malting barley
Sulphur deficiency can result in yield losses of 1t/ha or more in barley on susceptible, usually sandy, soils. Deficiency can also adversely affect some malting and brewing characteristics, according to HGCA’s latest report.
Sulphur deficiency has become more widespread and affects an increasing range of crops, which now includes malting barley, according to HGCA.
HGCA-funded trials carried out by Rothamsted Research,TAG, SAC and Newcastle University on winter barley in England and spring barley in Scotland and Northern England show that an application of 10-20kg S/ha on deficient sites is likely to correct deficiency and provide cost-effective yield responses.
Yield increases ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 tonnes/ha, with the rate of sulphur producing maximum yield typically ranging from 10 to 20kg S/ha, the results showed. “Sulphur deficiency has become more widespread and affects an increasing range of crops which now includes malting barley,” said HGCA director of research, Graham Jellis.
“Growers should locate their farm on a sulphur deficiency risk map to determine the likely risk of sulphur deficiency by location and soil type. In a medium or high risk area, test soil in spring for soil extractable S.” If extractable S is below 5mg/kg soil, a sulphate-containing fertiliser should be applied at 10-20kg S/ha with the main nitrogen or top-dressing in mid-March to mid-April, he advised.
HGCA-funded trials were carried out in 2003 and 2004 to determine yield and quality responses at four sites on soils where deficiency was likely.
Winter barley variety Pearl was grown in Docking, Norfolk and Woburn, Bedfordshire. Spring barley variety Optic was grown in Corsekelly, Aberdeenshire and Bishop Middleham, County Durham.
Sulphur was applied as gypsum at 0, 10, 20 and 40kg S/ha, combined with two rates of N, which differed between sites. In addition, two treatments tested application of S at a later timing. Grain samples from the 0 and 20kg S/ha treatments were analysed for malting quality.
Soil samples, taken before spring fertiliser application, were analysed for soil extractable sulphur. Leaf tissues, sampled at tillering and stem extension, were analysed using diagnostic indicators (total S, sulphate-S, N:S ratio and malate:sulphate ratio) to determine if responses to S could be predicted.
Yield effects
Significant yield responses to S were found in five of eight trials over two seasons. Yield increases ranged from 0.2-1.2t/ha with the rate of S producing maximum yield typically varying from 10- 20kg S/ha.
More information can be found in HGCA Topic Sheet no.90 ‘Sulphur for yield and quality in malting barley’, available at www.hgca.com
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