Challenges and Opportunities when Managing Soil Sulfur
Historically, crop response to sulfur (S) fertilization had been limited to sandy soils and crops with high sulfur demands. However, as atmospheric deposition of S is reduced, soils continue to be eroded in some areas, and overall yields increase, occurrences of S deficiency is becoming more common in the North Central United States. Although research from across the region reports yield improvement with S application, the available extractable-S soil tests are not good predictors of crop response, further complicating S management.
Speaker
Brady Goettl
Dr. Brady Goettl works as an Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Science at North Dakota State University (NDSU), allowing him to use his experience in soil fertility, soil health, and outreach to help North Dakota agriculturalists improve their soil and nutrient management practices. Goettl earned his A.S. Degree in Agronomy Management at Chippewa Valley Technical College, B.S Degree in Crop and Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Ph.D. in Soil Science at NDSU. With a background in production agriculture, Goettl worked as an agronomist and Certified Crop Adviser specializing in soil fertility and whole-farm nutrient management planning before joining NDSU as an Extension Soil Health Research Technician in 2021, moving onto his current role in 2024. Aside from his professional work in agriculture, he is active in farm advocacy, works with FFA agronomy and agriscience students, and volunteers with several groups helping to preserve the history of agriculture and educate the public about North Dakota’s rich agricultural heritage.