What is Lime Sulfur? How is Lime Sulfur Used?

What is Lime Sulfur?

Lime Sulfur is an alkaline (basic) chemical liquid with a pH value of approximately 11, defined as Calcium Polysulfide, with a chemical formula roughly CaSx.

Lime Sulfur is also known as Lime Sulphur or California Sulury.

Lime Sulfur is not a pesticide, meaning it's not an insecticide. However, Lime Sulfur disturbs all insects. Lime Sulfur keeps insects away from applied trees and plants for a certain period. It prevents them from nesting. It prevents them from laying eggs. If they have laid eggs, it rots their eggs and prevents their reproduction.

Lime Sulfur is a good fungicide. It instantly kills all kinds of fungi and prevents their reproduction. Lime Sulfur rapidly heals diseases caused by fungi and prevents fungal diseases from occurring for a certain period. Depending on the prevalence of fungi and the severity of the fungal disease, Lime Sulfur application may need to be repeated.

Lime Sulfur is a good cleaner, or disinfectant, and is highly effective against undesirable elements such as bacteria, viruses, and algae.

Lime Sulfur keeps animals like snails, mice, and snakes away from treated areas.

The use of Lime Sulfur in plant and tree protection is not harmful to human, animal, or environmental health.

However, during the application of Lime Sulfur, protective goggles, a protective mask, clothing to prevent skin contact, and protective gloves must be worn.

Furthermore, Lime Sulfur is approved for use in organic products in European Union Countries and the United Kingdom.

How to Apply Lime Sulfur?

Using Lime Sulfur for Tree and Vine Protection

When using on all types of fruit trees, grapevines, and other trees:

  • At the beginning of December, entering the winter season, by adding 2 liters of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluting at 2%),
  • At the beginning of March, entering the spring season, by adding 2 liters of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluting at 2%),
  • At the beginning of April, by adding 1 liter of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluting at 1%),
  • At the beginning of May, by adding 1 liter of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluting at 1%),
  • At the beginning of June, by adding 1 liter of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluting at 1%),

apply by spraying to cover all trunks and leaves of the trees.

When applying Lime Sulfur to trees and grapevines, special attention should be paid to cracks and crevices in the trunk and branches, applying generously. This is because many pests nest and lay eggs in these areas.

Lime Sulfur does not kill harmful or beneficial insects. However, it repels insects and prevents them from nesting. If they have laid eggs or cocoons, it rots their eggs and cocoons, preventing their reproduction.

Lime Sulfur negatively affects the pollination of flowers.

Therefore, the application time for Lime Sulfur should absolutely not be when flowers begin to pollinate. After pollination is complete and fruits have formed, Lime Sulfur can continue to be applied.

After applying Lime Sulfur, ensure that it will not rain for at least 24 hours. If it does not dry sufficiently, it may wash off and lose its effectiveness depending on the intensity of the rain.

When applying Lime Sulfur, it should absolutely not be mixed with other chemicals, fertilizers, or agricultural pesticides. Mixed chemicals, fertilizers, or agricultural pesticides may react with Lime Sulfur and can even cause permanent damage to the spraying equipment used for application.

Ensure that the equipment to be used for Lime Sulfur application is completely clean.

After Lime Sulfur application, the equipment used for application should be thoroughly washed with plenty of water without any delay. Otherwise, Lime Sulfur residues can cause various blockages and malfunctions.

Lime Sulfur application does not have yield-increasing properties for vegetables and trees. However, if used during the periods specified below, it will provide the expected yield as trees and vegetables will be protected from diseases and pests.

The protective effect of Lime Sulfur lasts a maximum of 4 weeks. This period decreases as the intensity of rainfall increases.

During periods of very heavy rainfall, the number of Lime Sulfur applications should be increased.

In regions where the winter season is mild (such as the Mediterranean region), the number of Lime Sulfur applications should also be increased.

Using Lime Sulfur for Vegetable and Plant Protection

Some vegetables and plants continue to produce new flowers while simultaneously bearing fruit.

In this case, 500 milliliters of Lime Sulfur should be added to 100 liters of water (diluted at 0.5%) and applied every 2 weeks.

Higher concentrations of Lime Sulfur will negatively affect the pollination of newly opened flowers.

Using Lime Sulfur to Adjust Soil PH Level

Since Lime Sulfur is an alkaline (basic) chemical with a pH value of 11, it is used to increase the pH level of soils.

After a soil pH analysis is conducted and the required amount of Lime Sulfur is calculated, it can be diluted with water and applied via flood irrigation or drip irrigation. When applying Lime Sulfur via drip irrigation, it should be considered that residues may clog the drip emitters.

Using Lime Sulfur in Bonsai

For bonsai tree leaves, 1 liter of Lime Sulfur should be added to 100 liters of water (diluted at 1%) and applied with a spray.

For woody areas of bonsai trees, such as the trunk, Lime Sulfur should be applied undiluted with a brush.

Using Lime Sulfur for Protecting Antique Wooden Items

For areas of antique wooden items that require protection, Lime Sulfur should be applied undiluted with a brush.

Using Lime Sulfur in Veterinary Medicine

Lime Sulfur is used to help all mammals (cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats, cows, etc.) recover from skin diseases (such as scabies, subcutaneous worms) and get rid of pests like lice, fleas, and ticks.

The animal to be treated or protected should be washed with water diluted by adding 2 liters of Lime Sulfur to 100 liters of water (diluted at 2%). During the washing process, the diluted Lime Sulfur water should absolutely not come into contact with the animal's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

The washing procedure should be applied once a week. To achieve effective results, it should be repeated for at least 4 weeks.

Can Lime Sulfur Be Mixed with Agricultural Pesticides or Chemicals?

Absolutely not. Agricultural pesticides or chemicals can react with Lime Sulfur. If this reaction occurs inside the spraying equipment, such as a pump, it can cause blockages and even permanent malfunctions. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the equipment to be used for Lime Sulfur application is completely clean.

What is the Shelf Life of Lime Sulfur and How Should It Be Stored?

As long as Lime Sulfur remains sealed in its original packaging without air exposure, it will not spoil and can be used at any time.

Lime Sulfur should be stored in its original packaging, sealed airtight, in a cool, dark, and enclosed area away from direct sunlight.