In recent years, sulfur (S) deficiency in wheat has become common in many areas, particularly in no-till wheat. Classic S deficiency symptoms, confirmed by soil and plant analysis, have been observed in many no-till wheat fields during periods of rapid growth in the spring.

Growers from Indiana, Nebraska and Ontario share their efficient, effective fertility practices with no-tillers at the National No-Tillage Conference.

Soil test samples can be pulled any time of the year when the ground is not frozen. Various experts advise to try to soil test at the same season of the year to have a more accurate trend line when you compare fertility levels over long periods of time.

In the chemical age of agriculture that began in the 1960s, potassium chloride (KCl), the common salt often referred to as potash, is widely used as a major fertilizer in the Corn Belt without regard to the huge soil reserves that were once recognized for their fundamental importance to soil fertility.