Organosulfur Compounds

What Does Organosulfur Compounds Mean?

Organosulfur compounds are essential elements for healthy garden soil and strong plant growth.

Sulfur plays a role in everything from nutrient uptake by plant roots to the growth and formation of plant tissues.

Maximum Yield Explains Organosulfur Compounds

Plants need many of the same minerals as animals in order to enjoy healthy growth. Some of the best-known minerals include calcium and potassium, but plants also need sulfur. Sulfur can be obtained in many ways, including adding crushed sulfur to the soil by hand. However, it is also released from decaying plant matter, which provides plants with access to organosulfur compounds.

In the soil, sulfur can do many things that will benefit your plants. Bacteria can convert organosulfur compounds into sulfuric acid in the soil. While that might sound bad, it’s actually a good thing. For instance, if your soil’s pH is too high (too much lime), sulfur can reduce it, bringing it back into a range that’s optimum for plant health.

Adding sulfur by itself to your soil is not usually necessary. In most instances, you’ll provide your garden with optimum levels of organosulfur compounds through top-dressing with compost.

Adding manure will also increase sulfur availability in the soil. Note that side-dressing with manure is the best option for use with plants that are already growing, rather than spreading the manure around the plant stems themselves.

Note that too much sulfur in the soil can cause problems – it can ultimately interfere with nutrient uptake. It’s recommended that if you suspect low sulfur or an off-balance pH, that you have your soil tested, and then start slow to ensure that you do not over apply.