Sulfur Effects on the Elemental Composition of Alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) and Corn (Zea mays L.)1

Forms of S at various rates were applied to alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) grown on 3‐deficient soil. Tissue samples were collected and analyzed for S, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, AI, St, Mo, Co, Na, Si, and Ba. Sulfur content of alfalfa increased with increasing rates of S applied. The N content of both young and mature alfalfa was increased, but P content was consistently decreased by increasing rates of S. Elemental S at 112 kg S/ha, applied annually, increased the Mn content of alfalfa and decreased the B content. In general, levels of other elements in alfalfa were not consistently affected by S application. Sulfur increased the levels of S in corn, and also increased the N content in the mature plant. Phosphorus in corn was decreased but no consistent effect of S was found on the other nutrient elements in corn.