Sulphur for agricultural use: What benefits does it provide for the growth and protection of berry crops?

• Berry cultivation is experiencing significant growth in our country, mainly driven by consumers’ growing interest in the health benefits associated with these foods.
• AFEPASA offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of ecological and sustainable solutions on the market to support the fertilisation, plant health and natural biostimulation of these crops.

There is no doubt that different berry crops, including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, are experiencing significant growth in terms of cultivated hectares and annual production in our country, mainly due to their considerable added value and consumers’ growing interest in these foods, which are directly associated with a healthy diet.

In this regard, AFEPASA’s more than 125 years of experience and commitment to innovation in supporting the agricultural sector are also reflected in the potential offered by its extensive portfolio of solutions for the protection and optimal development of berry crops.

In terms of fertilisation, it is important to bear in mind that berry crops, particularly blueberries, require acidic soil conditions, preferably with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, to ensure optimal growth.

Therefore, when soils with a high pH are identified, the land can be prepared through an additional supply of sulphur, using elemental sulphur amendments such as [Afesol].

This process can also be complemented with the application of [Microsul 40S], whose biostimulant and fertilising action helps maintain the acidic pH around the plant roots through irrigation, thereby improving the plant’s ability to assimilate nutrients such as phosphorus and other micronutrients, while increasing its vigour.

Likewise, it should be noted that the application of sulphur to berry crops also helps balance the electrical conductivity of the soil, creating more favourable conditions for plant development.

Regarding the potential of sulphur as a preventive and repellent solution for plant health, AFEPASA’s [Micronized Sulphur P300/100] has demonstrated its ability to act against pests commonly found in these crops, such as strawberry powdery mildew, mites and red spider mite.

In fact, a recent study conducted by the University of Cádiz in collaboration with the Regional Government of Andalusia highlighted the potential of micronized sulphur as a valid treatment against Drosophila suzukii, a species that is increasingly affecting raspberry crops and is becoming an endemic pest. This could provide an ecological and sustainable alternative capable of acting as an oviposition barrier against this insect.

Finally, regarding the potential of agricultural sulphur for natural biostimulation and the optimal growth of different berry crops, AFEPASA’s products based on its exclusive SULTECH™ technology, particularly [Triumphalis], actively contribute to providing plants with additional amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, significantly improving the organoleptic characteristics of these crops in terms of fruit size, aroma and colour.

In addition, Triumphalis also allows an extra supply of tryptophan to strawberry and blueberry crops, considerably improving their rooting and overall strength.