PROVIDING MOBILE SULFUR TO THE SOILS OF THE IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION AND WAYS OF OVERCOMING ITS DEFICIT

Abstract

This article analyzes the current status of available sulfur content in soils of the Ivano-Frankivsk region based on agrochemical studies conducted during 2012–2020. A detailed distribution of agricultural land by levels of available sulfur was carried out across administrative districts and agro-soil zones of the region. The results showed that over 70% of the surveyed lands have low or very low levels of available sulfur, indicating a widespread deficiency of this element. The best indicators were recorded in the Prykarpattia area, particularly in Kalush, Tysmenytsia, and Rozhniativ districts, where sulfur levels exceeded the regional average. The main factors leading to sulfur deficiency in soils were identified: intensive sulfur removal with crop harvest, leaching due to moisture, application of ammonium fertilizers, and liming of soils. Sulfur is highlighted as a key macronutrient essential for plant growth and development because it affects protein synthesis, metabolic processes, and photosynthetic productivity. The important interaction between nitrogen and sulfur in plant nutrition is noted, where sulfur deficiency reduces the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers and crop yields. It was determined that mineralization of humus is the primary source of available sulfur in soils, so the greatest deficiency occurs in soils with low organic matter content. Atmospheric sulfur inputs vary by region but generally do not compensate for the losses of this element. To overcome sulfur deficiency in soils, the authors recommend regular application of sulfur-containing fertilizers at rates of 50– 90 kg/ha, especially for crops with high sulfur demand such as cruciferous, leguminous, root crops, potatoes, and maize. The necessity of monitoring available sulfur content as part of agrochemical soil certification is emphasized. The obtained data can serve as a basis for developing effective agrotechnical measures to improve soil fertility and balance plant nutrition with sulfur in the agricultural lands of the Ivano-Frankivsk region.