Effectiveness of Sulphate and Elemental Sulphur Fertilizers Applied to Pastures in Autumn or Spring

Uptake of elemental sulphur {S, 50% 75-150 µm and 50% 150-250 µm diameter) or sulphate (applied as gypsum) by pasture in the field was examined using 3 rates of application in autumn or spring on 2 low S­retentive soils; u free-draining pumice soil and a slow-draining gley soil. About 90% of the el mental S was oxidised to plant-available sulphate during I year after application. On the pumice soil, the apparent recovery of added S was greatest from autumn-applied elemental S. Leaching appeared to reduce the effectiveness of sulphate fertiliser. On the gley soil, sulphate was more effective in enhancing pasture production during the first 12-18 months and the apparent recovery of added S was greatest from spring-applied sulphate.