Sulfur fertilizers are priced at $120–$240 per ton (ammonium sulfate equivalent) in spring 2026, depending on source. Elemental sulfur (90% S) runs $160–$220/ton; ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) is $180–$250/ton. Sulfur demand has increased as atmospheric sulfur deposition has declined, making deficiency more common in the northern Corn Belt.
Current Signal: BUY
Year-over-year change: +8–15%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) | $180 – $250/ton |
| Elemental S (90%) | $160 – $220/ton |
| Gypsum (CaSO4) | $60 – $120/ton |
| AMS cost/acre at 50 lbs/acre | $4.50 – $6.25/acre |
Atmospheric sulfur deposition — a historical free sulfur source from coal combustion emissions — has declined 60–80% since the 1980s Clean Air Act amendments. Fields that previously received 10–15 lbs S/acre from the atmosphere now need supplemental fertilizer.
Ammonium sulfate is a co-product of caprolactam and nylon production. Supply is largely captive to industrial production rates, creating occasional tightness when industrial output falls. Prices in 2026 reflect moderate industrial demand.
Corn requires 15–20 lbs S/acre on deficient soils; soybeans 10–15 lbs S/acre. At 21-0-0-24S pricing of $200/ton, supplemental sulfur application costs $6–$9/acre — a high ROI input on responsive soils.
Ammonium sulfate blends well with urea and potash in dry blend programs. The availability of ammonium sulfate at local blend facilities determines effective pricing more than any price benchmark.
Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) is $180–$250/ton in spring 2026. Prices vary significantly by region depending on industrial supply proximity.
Corn requires 15–20 lbs actual sulfur per acre on deficient soils. Soil testing for sulfate-sulfur below 10 ppm in the 0-12 inch zone indicates likely response to sulfur fertilizer.
Elemental sulfur must be oxidized to sulfate by soil bacteria before plant uptake. This 4–8 week process makes elemental sulfur slower-acting than ammonium sulfate. For immediate spring response, AMS is preferred; for long-term soil building, elemental S is effective.
Canola and small grains (wheat, oats) are highly responsive. Corn and soybeans show strong responses on historically sandy, low-organic-matter soils in the northern Corn Belt and Upper Midwest where deposition has declined most.
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