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Sulfur & Nutrient Uptake in Maples #889534

Asked November 08, 2024, 12:42 PM EST

I submitted a soil sample for testing due to interveinal chlorosis on a red maple. The soil test reported P @ 21 PPM, K @ 108 ppm, and Mg @ 220 ppm. It recommends adding sulfur. Will this help correct the interveinal chlorosis by allowing the Mg in the soil to become available for the Maple to take up?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Red maples are sensitive to soil pH. The issue is not Mg, but likely manganese, which becomes increasingly difficult for the tree to take up as pH rises. Application of granular elemental sulfur (or other products) can lower pH, though the process is slow and it may take more than a year to see results. 

Your report recommends application of 1/3 lb sulfur/100 sq ft. I would recommend application at this rate this fall and again in the spring and fall of 2025. Then apply just in the fall of subsequent years. After 3 years, it is good to get a follow-up soil test to verify where the pH is at. 

For more information:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/making_the_most_out_of_your_soil_test_ph_factsheet_now_available



Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied November 08, 2024, 1:39 PM EST

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