Reactions of inorganic sulfur in soils

N.J. Barrow, H L Bohn, SSS Rajan, RL Parfitt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Most soils of the world contain only small amounts of inorganic sulfur (S) compounds compared to the amounts of organically-bound S. The synthetic inorganic chemistry of S is complex because S, like few elements, can bond with itself and other elements in the same compound. The tendency for S-S bonding also decreases at higher S oxidation states-states that are stable in the aerobic conditions of most agricultural soils. Since ion adsorption decreases the electrostatic potential in the plane of adsorption, each increment of adsorption makes the surface less favorable for further adsorption. Sulfate adsorption by tropical soils varied according to their dominant mineralogy in the order: amorphous hydrated oxides > crystalline oxides > kaolin clays> 2:1 clays. The negative charge of Oxisols and Alfisols increases during SO4 2- adsorption. The relative magnitude of the reactions varies with the amount of SO4 2- added, type of cropping, soil properties, and climatic conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSulfur in Agriculture
EditorsM A Tabatabai
PublisherAmerican Society of Agronomy
Chapter7
Pages233-249
Volumeno 27
ISBN (Electronic)9780891182207
ISBN (Print)9780891180890
Publication statusPublished - 1986

Publication series

NameAgronomy Monographs

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