Thio-Sul®

Identification & Functionality

Agrochemical Functions

Fertilizer

Technologies

Agrochemicals

Product Families

Agrochemicals — Plant Health, Nutrients & Soil Management

Fertilizers & Nutrients

Features & Benefits

Agrochemicals Features

Easy To Handle,

Improved Water Infiltration Into Soils ,

Increased Chlorophyll Production

Benefits

• Thio-Sul is a nitrification inhibitor, reducing nitrogen loss by inhibiting or slowing the nitrification process of ammonium (NH4 ) converting to nitrate (NO3 ).
• Thio-Sul delivers the added benefit of supplying crops with essential sulfur, the fourth necessary nutrient for generating better yields and greater crop quality.
• Thio-Sul enhances micronutrient and phosphorus uptake in high pH soils.
• The sulfur in Thio-Sul will improve soil structure, increase water infiltration, aid in breaking down previous crop residues and enhance nitrogen use by the plant.
• Stabilizes and maximizes the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of UAN
• Delivers all nitrogen in the ammoniacal form
• Delivers sulfur in both elemental and sulfate forms
• Increases nitrogen efficiency when added to a side dress program
• May be applied through most types of irrigation systems
• Is compatible with many liquid fertilizers
• Is easy to mix
• Is easy to handle

Benefits Of Thio-sul In Desert Agriculture

• Apply Thio-Sul in the flat water (pre-irrigation water) to help manage salinity and break down residues

1. The acidification reaction resulting from soil applied Thio-Sul dissolves calcium carbonate, thereby freeing up calcium to manage soil salinity
2. The nitrogen in Thio-Sul narrows the C:N ratio to aid in more rapid decomposition of crop residues.

• Thio-Sul® helps to increase the availability of other nutrients in the soil

1. Thio-Sul generates localized acidity that increases the availability of phosphorous and some micronutrients
2. Thio-Sul is a reducing agent which helps convert some micronutrients, such as iron and manganese, into more plant available forms 

• Apply Thio-Sul with each application of nitrogen to increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)

1. Don’t neglect the sulfur from Thio-Sul in key crops like alfalfa, corn, forages and brassicas Number of 24 lbs. boxes per acre
2. Thio-Sul is a proven nitrification inhibitor to help avoid N losses to leaching
3. Thio-Sul adds sulfur which helps the plant utilize the N more efficiently

 

Product Highlights

Thio-Sul is the original nitrogen-sulfur plant nutrient solution instrumental in unlocking the full potential of your fertility program. Thio-Sul is a clear liquid containing 12% N and 26% S and is the most popular S-containing product used in the fluid fertilizer industry. Thio- Sul is compatible with N solutions and complete (N-P-K) liquid blends that are neutral to slightly acidic. In addition to its wide adaptability for use in clear liquid blends, it is also well suited for use in suspensions. Thio-Sul aids in increasing crop yields and stretching fertilizer dollars by improving the Nitrogen-Sulfur balance and helps in maintaining necessary sulfur levels in sulfur deficient soils. Thio-Sul helps solubilize other nutrients in the soil like phosphorus and micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, iron, and copper for better plant utilization. Thio-Sul contains nitrogen in the ammoniacal form and sulfur as thiosulfate. Thiosulfate sulfur is unique in that it exists in two oxidation states. This gives it enhanced pathways of availability more suitable to the sulfur uptake patterns of most plants. When applied to soils, ThioSul immediately begins to oxidize to sulfate-sulfur. Within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on soil temperature, soil type and rate of application, most of the thiosulfate sulfur converts to sulfate-sulfur. Thio-Sul contains 1.3 pounds of nitrogen and 2.8 pounds of sulfur per gallon. Thio-Sul weighs 11.1 pounds per gallon. Nitrogen and sulfur are important components of proteins. Sulfur deficiency may affect the plant’s ability to utilize nitrogen for protein synthesis. For best management practices and utilization of nitrogen and sulfur, apply ThioSul with enough UAN solution or aqua ammonia to make an N: S ratio of 5:1. Plant tissue analysis is recommended to determine a crop’s sulfur requirement. Most crops need between 20 and 50 pounds of sulfur (7 to 18 gallons of Thio-Sul) per acre per crop depending upon local growing conditions, soil type, fertilizer placement, crop and yield potential. For best results, follow soil and plant tissue analysis guidelines on sulfur nutrition for crops in your area.

Applications & Uses

Markets

Agriculture & Feed

Applications

Agriculture & Feed — Agricultural Crops

Cereals,

Fodder & Forage,

Sugar & Starch Crops,

Vegetables

Applicable Crop

Alfalfa,

Corn

Application Technique

Chemigation,

Sprinklers

Application & Use Recommendations

Soil Application

1. Row and Vegetable Crops (starter fertilizer): Apply Thio-Sul as a band application 2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed row at 1 to 3 gallons per acre by itself or in combination with other liquid fertilizers.
2. Row and Vegetable Crops (side dress): Inject 6 to 12 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre to meet the crop’s sulfur requirement. If injection applications are made close to the row (less than 12 inches), reduce the application rate by half (3 to 6 gallons per acre). Avoid root pruning. For pre-plant soil injection application, DO NOT apply Thio-Sul where it will be in direct seed contact.
3. Trees and Vines (soil injection and surface banding): Apply 5 to 10 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre early in the growing season for sulfur nutrition. Avoid pruning roots during injection application.
4. Trees and Vines (broadcast): Apply 10 to 12 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre in a broadcast spray by itself or mixed with water and/or other liquid fertilizers. For young trees and vines apply 5 to 8 gallons per acre. To prevent spray and drift from management practices, applications should be made when the crop may best utilize nitrogen and sulfur. Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre of Thio-Sul on lighter soils and 8 to 12 gallons per acre on heavier soils. Apply throughout the majority of the crop’s irrigation period.
5. Row and Vegetable Crops: Apply 5 to 10 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre per application with irrigation water.
6. Trees and Vines: Apply 5 to 10 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre per application with irrigation water.
7. Alfalfa: Apply 4 to 8 gallons per acre of Thio-Sul to seedling alfalfa with irrigation water. Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre with irrigation water to an established crop.

Drip Irrigation

1. Row and Vegetable Crops (drip tape and subsurface drip): Apply 1 to 2 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre per treatment with full irrigation. Repeat application, as needed, every 7 to 10 days to provide adequate sulfur nutrition.
2. Trees and Vines (subsurface drip): Apply 2 to 4 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre per treatment with full irrigation. Repeat application after 14 to 21 days, or as needed, to provide adequate sulfur nutrition.
3. Trees and Vines (drippers and mini sprinklers): Apply 6 to 8 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with full irrigation. For young trees and vines apply 2 to 4 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with full irrigation. Repeat application in 14 to 21 days.

Fertigation

1. Fertigation is the practice of injecting soluble fertilizer through irrigation systems using water as a nutrient delivery system to the crop. Before injecting Thio-Sul into an irrigation system, make sure that the irrigation system is in good condition and provides uniform distribution to the field. Application of nutrients like Thio-Sul should be made in the middle third or second half of an irrigation set. The injection of Thio-Sul should be done slowly and should last at least as long as it takes irrigation water to travel from the point of injection to the last emitter or sprinkler in the field. The injection of Thio-Sul should be done with a fertilizer injection pump and should be done over a 1 to 4 hour time period. Rapid injections of Thio-Sul may lead to uneven distribution of fertilizer and may cause crop damage. For additional information about the injection of nutrients into an irrigation system, consult with your local agronomist and review University of California publication 21620 “Fertigation with Microirrigation,” or University of Florida Bulletin #250 “Injection of Chemicals Into Irrigation Systems: Rates, Volumes, and Injection Periods.”

Sprinkler Irrigation

1. Row and Vegetable Crops: Apply 1 to 5 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with irrigation water. Apply at planting or wait until the crop is at the 3rd or 4th leaf stage. Repeat as needed every 7 to 14 days. Thio-Sul may be mixed with nitrogen solutions (UAN) and applied as needed during the season.
2. Trees (under): Apply 5 to 8 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with irrigation water every 10 to 14 days as needed beginning at the full leaf stage.
3. Trees (over): Apply 3 to 4 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with irrigation water every 10 to 14 days as needed beginning at the full leaf stage.
4. Vines: Apply 2 to 4 gallons of Thio-Sul per acre with irrigation water every 10 to 14 days as needed.
5. Alfalfa: Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre of Thio-Sul with irrigation water after cutting

Flood And Furrow Irrigation

1. Thio-Sul may be applied with irrigation water. For best Soil pH has a direct effect on nutrient availability as well as soil microbial activity. A low soil pH can indicate the presence of high levels of toxic ions such as manganese, iron and/or aluminum while high pH can indicate the presence of free lime in the soil. Most crops do best with soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimum nutrient uptake. Periodic testing of soils is the only way to determine soil pH and the appropriate course of action to maintain soils at their full productive potential. Minimize or avoid applications of Thio-Sul if the pH of the soil is below.

Topdressing

1. Pastures and Small Grains Only: Apply Thio-Sul along with nitrogen solutions (UAN) to provide adequate sulfur nutrition. For every 5 to 7 pounds of nitrogen, apply 1 pound of sulfur. Application on small grains should be done before jointing (Feekes Growth Stage 5). See Application Precautions. Tissue testing is recommended.
2. Alfalfa: Apply 5 to 10 gallons of Thio-Sul with a ground sprayer immediately after a cutting or during dormancy before regrowth has occurred.

Straw Decomposition

1. Thio-Sul may be used as an aid to straw decomposition. The effectiveness depends on the time of application, soil moisture and spray coverage on the straw. While temperatures are still warm, lightly disk or chisel the ground after harvest. Spray a mixture of Thio-Sul and water over the stubble. Wait at least 6 weeks before another field cultivation. Apply 3 to 4 gallons of Thio-Sul for every ton of straw to be treated. Thio-Sul should be mixed in enough water or UAN/water solution to supply a minimum of 20 gallons of spray solution per acre. To be effective, thorough spray coverage of the straw is essential.

pH And Crop Productivity

1. A jar test is recommended when mixing with pesticides to check for physical compatibility. When mixing Thio-Sul or any liquid fertilizer with pesticides, always keep agitators running during filling and spraying operations. Failure to maintain agitation may cause separation of products, resulting in an uneven spray application, which may result in phytotoxicity occurring to the targeted crop.

Soil Injection

1. Avoid pruning roots with injection equipment when applying Thio-Sul.

 

Properties

Physical Form

Liquid

Appearance

Clear, Colorless to Yellow

Typical Properties

	Value	Units	Test Method / Conditions
Total Nitrogen (as Ammoniacal Nitrogen)	12.0	%	—
Total Sulfur Content (S)	26.0	%	—
Specific Gravity	1.33	—	—
pH	6.5 - 8.5	—	—
Salt-Out Temperature	45.0	°F	—
Density (at 68°F)	11.1	lb/gallon	—
Volume (at 68°F)	180.0	gallon/ton	—
Nitrogen (at 68°F)	1.3	lb/gallon	—

Technical Details & Test Data

Test Data

Thiosulfate increased micronutrient levels in broccoli tissue – 2020 research trial

Treatment	% Mn	% Fe
UAN-32	77	131
UAN-32 + Thio-Sul®	89	149
UAN-32 + MOP	56	99
UAN-32 + SOP	66	103
UAN-32 + Thio-Sul® + MOP	93	152
UAN-32 + KTS®	97	148

 

Number of 24 lbs. boxes per acre

Ratio of Applied Nitrogen to Sulfur (N:S)

Technical Details

• Thiosulfate As A Sulfur Source

1. The advantage of thiosulfate is that it is a highly soluble source of sulfur, great for liquid blends. After being applied to the soil, thiosulfates are oxidized to sulfate-sulfur over 1 to 3 weeks. When sulfur is applied totally in the sulfate form, some may be lost to leaching -  the result of rainfall and/or irrigation water moving this form below the root zone. Thio-Sul is often applied in combination with UAN solutions and aqua ammonia in supplying the sulfur needs of crops.

• Thio-sul As A Nitrogen Stabilizer

1. University research has shown Thio-Sul acts as a nitrification inhibitor when blended with UAN solution resulting in more nitrogen being available to the crop. Thio-Sul, when added to UAN solution at a 5 to 10% volume-to-volume ratio, delays nitrification, resulting in a decrease of potential losses from nitrate nitrogen leaching. Thio-Sul, when added to UAN solution or aqua ammonia, allows the plant to better utilize the applied nitrogen. Not only does Thio-Sul stabilize the nitrogen for plant use, but it is an excellent source of sulfur as well.

• Thio-sul Delivers Results

1. Slows down nitrification, reducing risk of leaching nitrates
2. Is an excellent source of sulfur
3. Can be mixed with liquids in the same manner as UAN or 10-34-0 (11-37-0)
4. Versatile – may be used as a 2” x 2” starter, broadcast, early top-dress and through irrigation water
5. Increases fertilizer efficiency. Keeps nitrogen in the NH4 + form (enhances phosphorus uptake)
6. Inhibits nitrogen losses when applied as surface banding to pasture or wheat ground
7. Helps reduce ammonia volatilization losses when applied with UAN or other liquid ammonium or urea fertilizer products

Safety & Health

Application Precautions

Do not apply Thio-Sul directly on or below germinating seeds such as in a “pop up” fertilizer program. Reduced germination may result from dry soil conditions and when used in starter fertilizer blends. Crop injury may result from unusual weather conditions, failure to follow label directions, or improper application practices, all of which are out of the control of the manufacturer or seller. The directions on this label are believed to be reliable and should be followed carefully. The application of Thio-Sul for purposes other than listed herein is not recommended.

Sprinkler Irrigation

1. Application of Thio-Sul by sprinklers should be followed by 1 to 2 hours of additional irrigation to reduce the possibility of fertilizer injury. Always apply Thio-Sul with full irrigation and avoid application during mid-day when temperatures are high. Center pivot application of Thio-Sul at recommended rates is diluted with enough water that foliar burning is not normally a problem.

Topdressing

1. Do not top-dress (by airplane or ground rig) with Thio-Sul when temperatures are above 70°F and relative humidity is below 30%. Some foliar burn may occur even under the best of conditions. When working with a new formulation or application method, always do a small test plot before treating the whole field.