Elemental Sulphur

Elemental Sulphur

Elemental Sulphur is a slow release sulphur pastille, at least 90% sulphur, used to lower soil pH over time and to supply sulphur. It suits growers who need to bring an alkaline soil down to target from a soil test.

At a glance

• Type: soil amendment (granular pastille)
• Supplier certificate on file: BioGro licence 297. See the certificate and its dates.
• Analysis: at least 90% elemental sulphur
• Use for: lowering soil pH slowly; supplying sulphur
• Rate: 50 g per square metre to lower pH; 20 to 30 g per square metre for maintenance (guideline only, check your soil pH)

What it is

What it does

• Soil bacteria oxidise elemental sulphur to sulphate, and that process releases acid, so the soil pH falls slowly over months. This is how growers bring an alkaline or over limed soil down to target.
• The sulphate produced is the form plants take up. Sulphur is used for proteins, oils and flavour compounds, and deficiency shows as pale young leaves.
• Getting pH into the right range (we run living soil at 6.2 to 7.2, target 6.6) keeps most nutrients available to roots.
• The pastille form releases over the season, so it does not need frequent reapplication.

Analysis

• Elemental sulphur (S) at least 90%

How to use

• Soil application: 50 g per square metre (guideline only, check your soil pH and adjust as necessary).
• Maintenance: 20 to 30 g per square metre (guideline only, check your soil pH and adjust as necessary).
• Apply as required using a soil test, or add incrementally while testing soil pH until you reach your target.
• Elemental sulphur works through soil bacteria, so it is slow (months, not days) and slower still in cold or dry soil. Do not use it to supply sulphur quickly; use a sulphate such as gypsum or magnesium sulphate for that. Because the pH drop is delayed, it is easy to overshoot: add in steps, wait, and retest before adding more. Do not use it on soil that is already in range.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• Sulphur: what it does
• Soil pH, water pH: how to move it

We offer a soil prescription service, see where to test your soil, or email us at store@seaclifforganics.nz for more information about the services we provide.

Handling and storage

• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
• Once opened, keep sealed and dry.