Mary,
Elemental sulfur can come from a variety of sources. Some are byproducts of
chemical processing. Others are mined and perhaps refined. No matter the
source, toxic contamination could be a serious issue.
In my opinion and experience, soil pH is way overrated. It measures the
ionic hydrogen in the soil. This is a non-nutrient. Conventional agriculture
and academia have forged the notion that mineral nutrients especially trace
elements won't be available to plants if the pH is not just so. In a test
tube that is true. In the field it is not. Biology mainly controls nutrient
availability.
Low pH could indicate a lack of base minerals or anaerobic conditions. High
pH could indicate excess lime or colloidal sodium. pH by itself tells you
nothing definitive. What does a complete soil test say? What do your senses
tell you? It can be hard to undo something if you do the wrong thing.
Sulfur is an acid forming material. Put on a bunch of sulfur and you will
probably screw up the phosphate and molybdenum availability. Also, as the
sulfur oxidizes, sulfides, sulfites and sulfates will be created. Sulfites
are toxic at just a few ppm. According to Elaine, even sulfates at
conventionally-acceptable levels are problematic. The fungicidal properties
of sulfur are well know.
John Cowan
-----Original Message-----
From: plantlines7 [mailto:plantlines_at_hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:42 AM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] elemental sulfur....
Elemental Sulfur is allowed in the NOFA Standards for organic
land care to lower a high P.H. in the soil. The distinction here as
I interpret my standards is it is not preferred in practice but it is
allowed. Does anyone know how elemental sulfur is made or
where it comes from? I bought a bag for use for one of my
clients but didn't use and also stopped all amendments
according to my soil tests and the plants have improved
tremendously, organic matter is high in these beds and I have
incorporated compost over a period of 3 years. However I have
used very little lime over the years and the P.H. was still high so I
am sure it is the compost. I assume the trick is to be able to get
a compost more decomposed and less alkaline. This is the
problem I see with commercial compost sources...the one I have
been using is Agresource and after a quick discussion with
them I found out they use a byproduct from "gelatin-producing
processes" in otherwords chipped cow bone. I almost hit the
roof so if anyone is thinking of a big business lets make decent
compost for bulk sale!!!!!! Until folks make there own compost
we will need to buy it and bring it in. Mary
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Received on Mon Jan 19 2004 - 21:47:40 EST