image: A new professional publication on sulfur from the Soil Science Society of America. view more
Credit: Soil Science Society of America
MADISON, WI, October 1, 2008 - As a nutrient, sulfur is often overlooked in favor of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but a new book explains its crucial role in soil condition, plant growth and nutrition. For agricultural professionals, understanding how plants use sulfur is essential for optimizing crop yield and quality. Sulfur – A Missing Link Between Soils, Crops and Nutrition, a new book from the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, provides detailed information on the importance of sulfur.
Edited by Dr. Joseph Jez of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Sulfur provides a unique perspective on the relationship that sulfur plays in the dietary needs of humans and animals. Dr. Jez was careful to include a highly regarded group of authors to share their insights on this timely topic, with expertise ranging from the molecular level to practical field work.
The book examines the central role that sulfur plays as a nutrient affecting crop yield and quality, animal feed value and human diet. Most previous books have dealt with the topic as it relates to molecular biology and the biochemistry of sulfur metabolism, but new insights are available here for a more comprehensive understanding.
The first chapter begins with a discussion of the different forms of sulfur and the cycling process in soil, and how those relate to sulfur fertility. Chapter titles include "Soil Sulfur Cycling in Temperate Agricultural Systems", "History of Sulfur Deficiency in Crops" and "Availability of Sulfur to Crops from Soil and Other Sources".
With its fresh look on the importance of sulfur to crop, Sulfur – A Missing Link Between Soils, Crops and Nutrition provides practical and useful information for a wide range of professionals.
View the table of contents for Sulfur – A Missing Link Between Soils, Crops and Nutrition at: https://portal.sciencesocieties.org/Downloads/pdf/SulfurFrontMatter.pdf
Sulfur – A Missing Link Between Soils, Crops and Nutrition can be purchased online through SSSA for $90, Item No. B40720 at: www.societystore.org, by phone at 608-268-4960, or by email: books@soils.org.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.
SSSA supports its members by providing quality research-based publications, educational programs, certifications, and science policy initiatives via a Washington, DC, office. For more information, visit www.soils.org.
SSSA is the founding sponsor of an approximately 5,000-square foot exhibition, Dig It! The Secrets of Soil, which opened on July 19, 2008 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.