Sulphur Oxidation In Saudi Arabian Agricultural Soils

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the oxidation of elemental sulphur in eight localities of Saudi Arabian soils. The effect of sulphur application on related properties of calcareous soils in Saudi Arabia was also investigated. Elemental S (1%) was oxidized to sulphate in all soils tested. The maximum amount of sulphate was recorded in Alkharj (493 ug/g) and Riyadh (400 ug/g/) soils. These sites exhibited the largest numbers of S-oxidizing microorganisms. The addition of elemental sulphur to soils led to a marked increase in the concentrations of Mn and Fe, with a slight increase in T.S.S. in most soils. Also a large decline in soil pH and CaCO3 was observed after amendment of soils with sulphur.