Search

There is limited data on Sulphur (S) contents in arable soils for appropriate fertilizer recommendations in Ghana. Five study areas in a reconnaissance survey (RS), followed by an in-depth study of two areas comprising farms of different durations of cultivation, were investigated for the current total S and sulphate contents. Basic soil properties were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Total S and sulphate contents were determined using LECO instrument dry combustion and HPLC, respectively. The results showed wide variations in total S contents from 31 to 603 mg kg−1 in the Guinea Savannah (GS) zone. The mean trend was Forest > Forest-Transition (F-S) > north Guinea Savannah (nGS) > Deciduous Forest (DF) > south Guinea Savannah (sGS) in the RS sites, with a similar trend in the main study sites. Sulphate contents ranged from 5 to 25 mg kg−1, constituting 0.8 to 37% of the total S. The mean percent trend was sGS = DF > Forest > nGS > F-S. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was the major predictor of total S along with pedogenic minerals. Total S and crystalline pedogenic minerals predicted the sulphate contents. The results highlight the need for ecologically-based S fertilizer programmes to boost crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Temperature rising and seawater intrusion are expected to influence the hydrologic regime and redox conditions in coastal soil, and the fate and mechanisms of biogeochemical cycling of Arsenic (As) in the specific environment are poorly understood. This work was carried out in an anaerobic operating chamber by adding sulfate to simulate seawater intrusion under various temperature. Results demonstrated the microbial community diversity was influenced by temperature and the highest Shannon and lowest Simpson index were found at 28 °C. Firmicutes was the dominant bacteria, accounting for 81.16%–93.99%. Desulfosporosinus , with the proportion increasing with temperature, showed a significantly positive correlation with S2− for sulfate addition treatments. Actually, transformation of As was meditated by the concentration and valence of sulfur and iron in soil. The dissimilatory reduction of arsenic-bearing Fe oxides occurring in the initial stage, is suspected to be the primary driver of As release. Then, concentration of As declined in aqueous phase due to the reduction of sulfate, and the proportion of residual speciation of As in solid phase increased with temperature, ranging from 6.78% to 27.70%. The results displayed the reducing condition due to seawater intrusion and temperature change could regulate the release and sequestration of As in the coastal soil. • Fate of As in coastal soil is mediated by microorganisms and sulfate under various temperatures. • Firmicutes are the dominant microbial community. • Sulfate-reducing bacteria mediated the reduction processes of sulfate, ferric minerals, and arsenate. • Proportion of Desulfosporosinus had significantly positive correlation with S2−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Identifying two key aridity index (AI) thresholds that determine sulfur process dynamics along the NCT. • A notable shift from abiotic to biotic sulfur processes occurs at an AI of 0.12. • Sulfur cycling undergoes a transition from microbial to plant process dominance at an AI of 0.32. • Sulfate-reducing bacteria exhibit broader environmental adaptability, even thriving in arid and oxygen-rich conditions. As an essential nutrient element for biological growth and metabolism, sulfur is closely interlinked with the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and it is one of the limiting elements for grassland productivity. Here we investigated the spatial distribution of sulfur contents and 34S stable isotope along the North China Transect (NCT), with the aim to explore the shaping role of the aridity index (AI) gradient on sulfur cycling dynamic in arid and semi-arid grasslands. In the area with AI < 0.12, soil sulfur contents and sulfur isotopic compositions (δ34S) showed no correlation with AI, indicating that abiotic processes predominantly govern the sulfur cycle in this area. In the area where 0.12 ≤ AI < 0.32, both sulfur contents and δ34S values increased with rising AI, with microbial-mediated reduction being the primary sulfur cycling process. In the area with 0.32 ≤ AI < 0.60, soil sulfur contents continued to increase with higher AI, but δ34S significantly decreased as AI increased, suggesting plant uptake as the dominant sulfur cycling process in this area. This study demonstrated the significant impact of AI on sulfur dynamics, providing insights into the different drivers of sulfur cycling along the aridity gradient, and offering guidance for developing targeted strategies under global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elemental sulfur (S0) is a cost-efficient fertilizer and the least rapidly utilizable source of S for soil microorganisms and plants. Its bacterial-mediated oxidation to sulfates is dependent on particle size. Finely formulated (micronized, nanosized) S0 exerts enhanced oxidation rate and benefit due to nutrient availability and crop nutrition efficiency. Graphene oxide (GO) affects soil properties both negatively and positively. A pot experiment was carried out with lettuce using soil supplemented with S0 in different composition, applied alone or in combination with GO. The following variants were tested: control, GO, micro-S0, micro-S0 + GO, nano-S0, nano-S0 + GO. Results: Nanosized S0 improved most of enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, β-glucosidase, phosphatase). However, respirations induced by d-glucose, protocatechuic acid, l-arginine were decreased. GO mitigated negative to neutral effect of micro-S0 in the soil pH, dehydrogenase and urease activity. Furthermore, micro-S0 positively affected basal respiration and respirations induced by d-trehalose and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamine. Nano-S0 + GO improved plant biomass yield and enzyme activities. However, nano-S0 + GO significantly decreased all substate-induced respirations. Conclusions: The benefit of soil treatment with nano-/micro-sized S0 and its combination with GO on soil biological parameters was partially demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur is an essential functional element in leaves, and it plays important roles in regulating plant growth, development and abiotic stress resistance in natural communities. However, there has been limited information on the spatial variation in leaf sulfur content (LSC) and adaptive characters on a large community scale. Sulfur in leaves of 2207 plant species from 80 widespread ecosystems (31 forests, 38 grasslands and 11 deserts) in China was measured. One-way analysis of variance with Duncan's multiple-range tests were used to evaluate the differences in LSC among different plant growth forms and ecosystems. We fitted the relationships of LSC to spatial and climate factors using regression. Structural equation modeling analysis and phylogenetic analysis helped us further explore the main factors of LSC variation. LSC ranged from 0.15 to 48.64 g kg–1, with an average of 2.13 ± 0.04 g kg–1 at the community scale in China. We observed significant spatial variation in LSC among different ecosystems and taxa. Overall, LSC was higher in arid areas and herbs. Furthermore, higher LSC was observed under environments of drought, low temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation. Temperature, precipitation, radiation, soil sulfur content and aridity jointly regulated LSC, explaining 79% of the spatial variation. However, LSC was not significantly related to phylogeny. Our results demonstrate that LSC plays an important role in plant adaptations to extreme environments and further extend our understanding of the biological function of sulfur from the organ to the community level. These findings highlight the importance of sulfur metabolism for our understanding of the impact of global climate change on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric acid deposition has increased sharply since the beginning of industrialization but has decreased considerably since the 1980s owing to clean-air policies. Soil acidification induced by an input of acidity has been demonstrated in numerous studies using repeated forest-soil inventories. So far, relatively few data have been sampled to analyze long-term soil trends and only a few studies show the recovery of forest soils from acidification, whereas the recovery of surface waters following declining acid deposition is a widespread phenomenon. To assess a possible recovery from acid deposition, soil resampling data from 21 forested permanent soil-monitoring sites in Lower Saxony (Germany) were evaluated. For most sites, at least three repetitions of inventories from a period of 30 to 50 years were available. Trend analyses of indicators for the acid-base status of unlimed forest soils using generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) show either a trend reversal or a stagnation of the acid-base status at a strong acidification level. The recovery, if indicated by an increase of soil pH and base saturation, of soils from plots with deciduous trees appears to have occurred faster than in coniferous forest stands. This observation may be attributed to a larger amount of temporarily stored sulfur in the soil because of the higher atmospheric input into coniferous forests. As indicators for the acid-base status still show considerable soil acidification, mitigation measures such as forest liming still appear to be necessary for accelerating the regeneration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land disturbed by open-pit oil sands mining must be restored to support the survival and growth of native boreal plants. Because tailings sand and sodic shale overburden are commonly used as an underlying parent substrate that is capped by boreal forest cover soils, the soil pH in reclamation sites is often higher compared with undisturbed boreal forest soil. Sulfur is a major byproduct of oil sands refining and could potentially be used as an amendment to lower the soil pH on reclamation sites. In this study, we examined the effects of soil pH and elemental sulfur on growth and physiological responses in Saskatoon berry and beaked hazelnut seedlings. We found that elemental sulfur was effective in lowering soil pH. However, addition of elemental sulfur to a forest soil of pH 5.7 lowered the soil pH to around 3, which impaired the growth and physiological performance of both plant species. The addition of 5 and 25 g kg−1 elemental sulfur to the pH 8.5 soil did not substantially improve the examined growth and physiological parameters in Saskatoon berry and beaked hazelnut seedlings. Further, excess addition of elemental sulfur in high pH soil could reduce the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in Saskatoon berry. The results demonstrate that the amount of sulfur applied to the soil would need to be carefully determined for different soil types and pH levels to avoid potential toxicity effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch.] is a deciduous tree whose fruits (nuts) are of high economic value and offer excellent nutritional benefits. However, soils high in sulphates can limit its growth and development. Working with 5-year-old trees of 'Western Schley' pecan grown in soils high in sulphates, the levels of proline and oxidative metabolism were recorded in the leaflets. Results showed that different levels of visible leaflet damage ('sufficiency', 'low', 'moderate' or 'severe') were associated with different levels of leaflet sulphates (mg kg-1): 'sufficiency' (≤40), 'low' (41-60), 'moderate' (61-80) and 'severe' (80-100). 'Severe' sulphate damage was associated with significant reductions in chlorophyll (TChl) (17.04 μg g-1), relative water content (RWC) (50%) and leaf area (LA), and with increases in the concentrations of total carotenoids (TC) and proline (Prl). Increases were also observed in the activities of the oxidative metabolism enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.82 units min-1 g-1), catalase (CAT) (2.86 μmol H2O2 min-1 g-1) and antioxidant capacity (AC) (87% DPPH inhibition). However, guaiacol peroxidase (GP) showed a reduction (2.97 nmol GSH min-1 g-1). An inverse relationship was found between the sulphate concentration in the leaflets with respect to the evaluated parameters of TChl, TC, RWC, LA, AC, and GP. Proline synthesis and antioxidant enzymatic activity indicate salt stress in pecan leaflets in orchards irrigated with deep-well water high in sulphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient and important component of the earth's crust, and its cycling has critical impacts on trace metal mobility, water quality, and human health. Pyrite weathering is the primary pathway by which sulfur enters surface waters. However, biogeochemical cycling of sulfur in soils and the river corridor mediates sulfate exports. In this study, we identified the major forms of sulfur across multiple compartments and scales in a pristine mountainous watershed, including shale bedrock weathering profiles, hillslope soils, and alluvial floodplain sediments, in order to provide insight into biogeochemical sulfur cycling in a hydrologically variable alpine system. X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis of shale weathering profiles showed clear evidence of pyrite oxidation to sulfate, with large accumulations of intermediate S(0) (20%–53%). Micro‐scale XANES showed evidence of reprecipitation of pyrite at fracture surfaces within the permanently saturated zone. Organic sulfur dominated S speciation in shallow hillslope soil and floodplain sediment, with little evidence of reduced inorganic S. However, mackinawite formation, representing active sulfate reduction, was observed in saturated oxbow sediments and saturated weathered shale underlying floodplain sediments. Further evidence of sulfate reduction from aqueous sulfur isotopic analysis was observed in shallow groundwater transects across an Fe‐reducing meander, whereas increases in pore water sulfate concentrations implied sulfur oxidation at other locations. The data present an integrated picture of sulfur cycling in a shale‐dominated watershed, where riverine sulfate exports are mediated by biological cycling, particularly in redox‐stratified and temporally dynamic hyporheic zone sediments. Plain Language Summary: Sulfur is an essential macronutrient and biologically important component of the earth's crust, and its cycling has critical impacts on water quality and human health. Weathering of the mineral pyrite from rock is the primary pathway by which sulfur enters surface waters, and alterations to the hydrologic cycle due to climate change may affect pyrite weathering rates. However, biological cycling of sulfur in soils and the river corridor mediates the release of sulfur to rivers and the ocean. In this study, we identified the major forms of sulfur across a pristine mountainous watershed, including shale bedrock weathering profiles, hillslope soils, and alluvial floodplain sediments. Shale weathering profiles showed pyrite conversion to sulfate, with large accumulations of intermediate elemental sulfur. In the river corridor, precipitation of the mineral mackinawite was observed in water‐saturated sediments. By contrast, organic sulfur compounds were the primary forms of sulfur in shallow, unsaturated hillslope soil and floodplain sediment, demonstrating the importance of biological sulfur cycling in these zones. The data present an integrated picture of sulfur cycling in a shale‐dominated watershed, where riverine sulfate exports are controlled by a balance of rock weathering and biological cycling, particularly in the hydrologically and biologically dynamic river corridor. Key Points: Bedrock shale weathering profiles show pyrite oxidation to elemental Sulfur (S) and sulfate, with reprecipitation of pyrite at fracture surfacesOrganic‐S compounds dominate S speciation in unsaturated hillslope soil and floodplain sedimentRiver corridor processes, such as biological uptake and reduction may attenuate sulfate releases from oxidative pyrite weathering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil oil‐pollution is one of the most severe environmental issues at present. Shifts of soil metallome and microbiome are essential indicators for risk assessment and remediation of field soil pollutions. However, how soil metallome and microbiome react to petroleum‐contamination is not well studied. In this research, soil samples were collected from a short‐term and long‐term petroleum‐contaminated oil field. The soil physicochemical properties, metallome, microbiome, and soil microbial networks were investigated. Results showed that the contents of soil total petroleum hydrocarbon, total carbon, total nitrogen, total sulfur, total phosphorus, calcium, copper, manganese, lead, and zinc were increased by petroleum‐contamination because petroleum is rich in these elements. In contrast, the soil pH was lowered resulting from soil sulfur oxidation regardless of the petroleum pollution duration. Petroleum‐contamination also reduced bacterial and fungal α‐diversity indices because of the selective pressure of petroleum. Furthermore, bacterial α‐diversity was negatively correlated with soil total petroleum hydrocarbon content and electrical conductivity, and fungal α‐diversity was negatively correlated with soil electrical conductivity. Moreover, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, Oleibacter, and Fusarium in soil were increased by petroleum‐contamination. Network analysis showed that number of links, modules, and the network invulnerability decreased in short‐term contaminated soil, followed by the long‐term contaminated group, and the main reason should be the environmental disturbance caused by petroleum‐contamination. These results demonstrate that short‐term heavy petroleum contamination can cause shifts in soil physicochemical properties, metallome, and microbiome and assemble a less complex and vulnerable soil microbial network. Moreover, natural restoration can hardly amend soil properties and microbial network structure. This research emphasizes that the uncommonly studied soil metallome may play a vital part in the reaction of microbial communities to petroleum‐contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental and health costs of chemical fertilizers have led researchers to meet the nutritional needs of plants using organic and biological fertilizers. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic and biological fertilizers on soil nutritional characteristics, nutritional status, physiological and biochemical parameters in Cone Flower leaves. Treatments included Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) (N50P25K25; N75P35K35 and N100P35K35), manure (30, 60, and 90 tons/ha), vermicompost (5, 10, and 15 tons/ha), N50P25K25 fertilizer along with 30 tons/ha manure, N50P25K25 with 5 tons/ha vermicompost, biological fertilizers including Glomus. intraradaices + G. mosseae, Azospirillum + Pseudomonas, Thiobacillus with 5 tons per hectare vermicompost and Thiobacillus with 250 kg per hectares of sulfur. Parameters such as the status of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur in soil and leaves were examined. Also, the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as biochemical parameters such as phenol and total flavonoids, carotenoids, and leaf protein were determined. NPK chemical treatment resulted in the highest amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in soil and leaves, while the highest amount of sulfur in soil and leaf was obtained in Thiobacillus treatment with 250 kg/ha of sulfur. There was also a significant difference in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in different fertilizer treatments. Azospirillum+Pseudomonas treatment had the highest SOD and POD activity. In Azospirillum+Pseudomonas treatment, the highest content of protein, total phenol, and total flavonoids was also observed in the leaves of Cone Flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, plant invasion has become a global ecological threat to local biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Spartina alterniflora encroaches on the ecological niches of local species and changes the soil's nutrient cycle. However, few comprehensive assessments focus on the effects of S. alterniflora invasion. Here, we investigated how soil sulfur changed with spatiotemporal variation and life forms of native species after S. alterniflora invasion and speculated the possible mechanism of the sulfur increase based on the references. The invasion of S. alterniflora increased soil total sulfur by 57.29% and phytotoxic sulfide by 193.29%. In general, the invasion of S. alterniflora enhanced the total plant biomass and soil nutrients, e.g., soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass carbon, further increasing soil sulfur content. The sulfur accumulation caused by S. alterniflora might result in the poisoning of native species. Thus, we hypothesized that the success of S. alterniflora invasion was closely connected with soil sulfur, especially toxic sulfide. Our study suggests that researchers should give more attention to the correlation between S. alterniflora invasion and the soil sulfur increase. More research is needed to investigate the mechanisms of the successful invasion by accumulating phytotoxic sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur is an essential mineral in human nutrition, involved in vital biochemical processes. Sulfur deficient soil is becoming a severe issue, resulting from increased agricultural production and decreased sulfur emissions. Tomato cultivation using sulfur-poor soils and desalinated water is becoming widespread, and might result in plant and fruit sulfur deficiency. In the current work, we aimed at evaluating the effect of sulfur fertilization (0.1–4 mM) on fruit sulfur concentrations, under both low (4 mM) and high (11 mM) nitrogen fertilization, to assess fruit sulfur biofortification, alongside the effect on fruit mineral composition, and on tomato plants. The experiment was performed on a semi-commercial scale, during two seasons, with a real-life fertilization range. We evaluated fruit elemental composition, in addition to young (diagnostic) leaves, as an indication to nutritional status. Our results show no harmful effect of low sulfur treatment on plant growth and high yield. Increased fertilization-sulfur exclusively induced sulfur accumulation in the fruit, while increasing fertilization-nitrogen subsequently increased fruit nitrogen. Sulfur treatments resulted in a consistent negative effect on fruit molybdenum and calcium, as well as a positive effect on fruit sodium levels. At the same time, other fruit minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, remained unaltered by sulfur treatments. Leaf response trends generally adhered to those of fruit. Taken together, our findings suggest that sulfur fertilization can biofortify tomato with sulfur while retaining fruit mineral composition and nutritional quality, excluding a decrease in Molybdenum levels, to assure food security and maintain fruit and vegetables as a significant source of sulfur and other minerals. Possibilities of practical application of this work's results include optimization of fertilization levels in crop cultivation under sulfur deficiency for yield and nutritional quality, alongside the biofortification of tomatoes with sulfur and nitrogen with no adverse effect to other fruit minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop fertilization with sulfur is an important part of agricultural practices, as is the systematic increase in soil organic matter content. Materials of waste origin constitute a source of plant-available sulfur, as well as soil organic matter. The study was to verify the hypothesis assuming that combining waste sulfur pulp and its mixtures with organic materials enables simultaneous soil enrichment with readily available sulfur and organic matter. A 240-day incubation experiment was conducted, on two soils: very light and heavy; with two sulfur doses applied to each soil (20 and 40 mg S/kg d.m. for very light soil, and 30 and 60 mg S/kg d.m. for heavy soil). The sulfate sulfur content in the incubated soil material, treated with the addition of sulfur pulp and its mixtures with organic materials, increased significantly up to day 60 and then decreased. The application of these materials significantly increased the content of available sulfur and decreased the pH value of the incubated material. The effect of the introduced materials on dehydrogenase activity depended on soil granulometric composition (the impact of the applied materials on the activity of these enzymes in very light soil was small, and in heavy soil, their activity was usually limited by the presence of introduced materials). Application of the studied materials had little effect on the total organic carbon content in the incubated soil material (a significant change in the value of this parameter, in relation to the control soil, was recorded in some treatments of heavy soil). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]The purpose of this stndy was to identify the distribution characteristics of nutrient elements in the soil of Yuanmou county, to grasp the nutrient problem of the soil in this area, to come up with reasonable suggestions for land use and improvement, to improve the technical level of land management and design in the area, to use the land scientifically and promote the healthy development of the agricultural economy. [ Method] A total of 2368 topsoil samples were collected at a density of 1. 2 s amples/km² throughout Yuanmou county, using the method combining traditional geochemistry, geology, and ecology, which were combined into 513 analysis samples, and 510 components were remained after screening and processing. The characteristic parameters of the data were analyzed using Excel, SPSS, etc., and the mathematical models of abnormal el ements were established. Finally, with reference to the rel evant specifications, GeolPAS and ArcGIS were used to create the maps and integrate the results. [Result] The distribution of organic carbon (Corg), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium oxide (K2 0), magnesium oxide (MgO), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), total iron (TFe2O3), copper (Cu), and boron (B) in the topsoil of Yuanmou county was balanced. Among them, the main element Corg and N content were low overall, and their correlation coefficient was significantly positive (R² ~ 0 . 66). The balance of sulfur (S) and cal cium oxide (CaO) was lower than other el ements, which showed abnormalities, and there were no abnormalities in trace el ements. The results of comprehensive grade evaluation of nutrient elements showed that the rich area were mainly distributed in the northwest of Jiangyi town, the line of Wumao villageJiangbian town-Huangguayuan town-Pingtian towns, Laocheng town and the southeast of Y angjie town, which was consistent with the distribution of the main agricultural areas in Yuanmou county. [ Conclusion] There were two causes of the low contents of Corg and N were mainly two: (i) the sandy content of the soil was generally high, and its ability of water and fertilizer conservation was not strong; (ii) The biological carbon and N fixation capacity was weak in most of the areas with low vegetation shade, except for the concentrated area of cultivated land. The CaO ratio of cultivated land in the study area was relatively high, and the CaO content in the soil was low in equilibrium affected by human, which did not caused soil pollution and soil deterioration. The high level of S deficiency was related to the lack of organic sulfur in the soil due to the fragile ecosystem in the dry hot valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was carried out in the field of the Al-Khalis nursery, Plant Production Department, Diyala Agriculture Directorate, during the two growing seasons 2020-2019 and 2020-2021 in order to study the effect of intercropping and sulfur addition on the growth and yield of broccoli and their impact on the biological control of the accompanying weed, according to the split-plot system and the design of sectors Complete randomization with three replications, first factor was the culture treatments, which are (broccoli crop, broccoli + onions, broccoli + garlic, broccoli + beans, broccoli + onions and garlic, broccoli + onions, garlic and beans). The second factor is the methods of adding sulfur (without adding sulfur (comparison), adding agricultural sulfur to the soil at a rate of 100 kg i.e, adding liquid sulfur sulfas 82% sulfur). The results showed significant superiority in the yield characteristics of the sowing treatment (broccoli single crop) in the characteristics of flowering disc diameter for the second season, main disc weight for the two seasons, the weight of the main crop, and side discs of the second season, and the total yield of main and side discs (29.31 cm, 751.72 and 827.33 g, 20.88 and 22.98 t H-1, 407.25 g, 30,083 and 34.29 Ton.H-1). The methods of adding sulfur gave a clear significant superiority in the characteristic of the diameter of the flower disc for the season, which amounted to 29.76 cm. The weight of the flower disc was 820.50 g. Plant-1. The total yield was 22.79 Ton. H-1. The weight of the side discs is 412.09 g. Plant-1, the percentage of dry matter in flowering tablets amounted to 9.71% for the second season and the main and side yield of flowering for first and second season was 29.916 and 34.239 Ton. H-1 sequentially compared to the treatment of no addition for the two seasons. The results showed an increase in the total yield and revenue per hectare for economic profit, which was (2819849) dollar and net cash income (5365849) dollar and the return is dollar and profitability (1.60 dollar and 60.3%) for intercropping compared to monoculture, which was (2332328, 4620328, 1.57) dollar and 60.3% sequentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effect of the application of acidulated phosphates, natural phosphates, and sulfur sources in soils with different textures on the growth and phosphorus and sulfur uptake of sugarcane. Greenhouse studies were conducted with samples of clayey and sandy soils. Treatments evaluated were: control (without P and S), TSP, TSP + S0, TSP + gypsum, MAP + S0, MAP + gypsum, reactive phosphate rock + S0, reactive phosphate rock + gypsum, natural phosphate of high reactivity + TSP + S0 and natural phosphate of low reactivity + TSP + S0, applied to the total volume of 10 kg of soil per pots at a rate of 120 mg kg−1 of P2O5 and 40 mg kg−1 of S, respectively. Fertilizers were applied to the total volume of 10 kg of soil per pot before planting two pre-sprouted seedlings of sugarcane (variety RB 86-7515). In general, the natural phosphate of low and high reactivity incorporated with TSP and S0 in the granule and the phosphates mixed with gypsum were more efficient increasing the sulfur accumulated in sugarcane and the sulfur contents in a clayey soil. On the other hand, the high reactivity natural phosphate incorporated with TSP and S0 in the granule and the phosphates mixed with S0 were more efficient increasing the phosphorus content in a sandy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sulfur, widely present in the soil and atmosphere, is one of the essential elements for plants. Sulfate is a dominant form of sulfur in soils taken up by plant roots. In addition to the assimilation into sulfur compounds essential for plant growth and development, it has been reported recently that sulfate as well as other sulfur containing compounds can also induce stomatal movement. Here, we first summarized the uptake and transport of sulfate and atmospheric sulfur, including H2O and SO2, and then, focused on the effects of inorganic and organic sulfur on stomatal movement. We concluded all the transporters for different sulfur compounds, and compared the expression level of those transporters in guard cells and mesophyll cells. The relationship between abscisic acid and sulfur compounds in regulation of stomatal movement were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metal are essential for microbially-mediated biogeochemical processes occurring in anoxic wetland soils and stream bed sediments, but low availability of these elements may inhibit anaerobic element cycling and transformations. Solid-phase speciation is likely a critical control on trace metal availability but has seen limited study in anoxic systems having concentrations similar to geological background levels, where metal limitations may be most prevalent. We have investigated trace metal concentrations and solid-phase speciation in three freshwater subsurface aquatic systems: marsh wetland soils, riparian wetland soils, and the sediments of a streambed. These systems displayed low solid-phase trace metal concentrations, generally at or below geological background levels, which generally followed the trend Zn > Cu ≈ Ni > Co and showed no correlation with major element compositions. All soils and sediments were dominated by quartz but varied in clay mineralogy as well as the organic matter, total sulfur, and total iron contents. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy shows that sulfur speciation in both wetlands is dominated by organic sulfur. Elemental sulfur and iron sulfides together made up <25% of the sulfur in the wetland soils, but the distribution between inorganic and organic forms was reversed in the stream sediments. Ferrous and ferric iron in clay minerals were common species identified by both XANES and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies at all sites. Iron(III) oxides were substantial components in all but the marsh wetland soils. Quantitative analysis of copper, nickel, and zinc XANES spectra revealed similar metal speciation across all sites. Copper speciation was dominated by sulfides, adsorbed species, and minor amounts of copper bound to organic matter; no metallic copper was detected. Nickel speciation also varied little and was dominated by nickel in clay mineral octahedral sheets and nickel sulfide, with adsorbed species also present. Zinc speciation was slightly more varied, with the marsh wetland soils and stream bed sediments containing adsorbed species, zinc associated with clay mineral structures, and zinc bound to reduced sulfur groups on organic matter, whereas the riparian wetland soils lacked clay-associated zinc but contained zinc sulfide. Trace metals bound to reduced sulfur occurred at every site, with a greater sulfur-bound fraction for copper. The fractional abundance of sulfur-bound species showed no relationship with soil or sediment total sulfur content, which varied by two orders of magnitude. More broadly, the observations in this study suggest that trace metal speciation in freshwater wetland soils and stream sediments is consistently dominated by a small set of recurring components which are distinct for each metal. This may represent a general geochemical phenomenon in anoxic soils and sediments containing trace metals at background concentrations (as low as 3 µg g−1) that was not predicted from systems that are contaminated with or naturally-enriched in copper, nickel, or zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological study experiment included the effect of inoculation with sulphur-oxidizing bacteria T. thioparus and its interaction with levels of organic matter. In addition, a biological vaccine for T. thioparus and the second factor is the organic matter at three levels control by without adding (0%, 0.5%, 1 %) the results of the statistical analysis showed that the biological Inoculation. T. thioparus treatment gave the highest levels of grain yield, numbers of T. thioparus bacteria, soil content of available nitrogen and soil content of available sulphur (4.74 mg.h-1, 0.22×104 CFu gm-1 soil, 54.27 mg N kg soil-1, 3131.39 mg S kg soil-1) respectively. While treatment with the second level of organic matter 1% gave the highest levels of the numbers of T. thioparus bacteria and the nitrogen content available in the soil and the sulphur content available in the soil (0.23×104 CFu gm-1 soil, 5163 mg N kg soil-1, 2796 mg S kg soil-1) respectively. In addition to the interactive treatments of biological inoculation of T. thioparus and organic matter of B1O2 of T. thioparus numbers, nitrogen content available in soil and soil sulphur content available (0.24×104 CFu gm-1 soil, 59.40 mg N kg soil-1, 3326.87 mg S kg soil-1) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralization of organic N and S of crop residue is an important useful tool for forecasting availability of N and S in soils. Three different soils (Vertisol, Inceptisol and Alfisol) from eastern Uttar Pradesh, India; seven crops residue, four cereals (rice, barley, maize, wheat) from irrigated area of Varanasi; and three pulses (gram lentil, pigeon pea) from rainfed area of Mirzapur were used in 90-day incubation study under controlled condition to estimate the release of soil available N and S. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Total Nitrogen (N) and total Sulfur (S) contents were higher in the pulses than that of cereals. Pulses residue with the lowest C:N:S ratio (177.0:3.7:1 to 195.8:4.5:1) had significantly rapid rate of N and S release up to 45 days and then declined at 60 and 90 days. On the other hand, cereals with the highest C:N:S ratio (390.8:4.3:1 to 463.6:5.0:1) had slow release of N and S up to 45 days and then rapid released at 60 and 90 days. Among pulses residue, pigeon pea has resulted significantly higher net release of soil available N and S at day 45 to the extent of 18.4 and 78.7% in Alfisol, 17.7 and 51.2% in Inceptisol, and 15.0 and 24.1% in Vertisol, respectively, over control. Among the cereals residue, barley residue amended Alfisol had higher net increase in available N at day 90 (13.2%) followed by Inceptisol (10.8%) and Vertisol (9.9%) over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, an industrial solid waste (CAS) was used for the rapid oxidation and neutralization of acidic sulfate soil. The waste mainly contained Fe-doped CaCO3 and CaAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH). After treatment, CAS neutralized the acidic soil with the aid of hydrogen peroxide. Compared with other oxidation-accelerating materials, including activated carbon, biochar, and Fe-doped biochar, CAS showed the best oxidation rate acceleration. When the ratio of CAS and sulfur in acidic soil was 1.5:1, the pH of the soil changed to 6.32 and the oxidation rate increased by 50%. The characterization results showed that the main products of CAS were CaMg oxides and Ca-Al LDH. The oxidation product (SO42−) was intercalated into the LDH interlayers. The accelerated oxidation mechanism of CAS was divided into the following stages: accelerated Fenton oxidation; LDH adsorption of oxidized SO42−; and neutralization of sulfuric acid by calcium carbonate. The main results of this work provide a high-value-added utilization method of solid waste for acidic soil remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the responses of retention and output of sulfur (S) is significant to understand the impact of atmospheric S deposition on the S cycling in soils and its environmental effects in the karst catchments of Southwest China. This study analyzed the contents and δ34S values of different S forms (total S, carbon-bonded S, ester-bonded SO42-, SO42-, and total reduced inorganic sulfur [TRIS]), the δ34S values of stream SO42-, the δ13C values of soil organic carbon, and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) quantity in limestone soil and yellow soil profiles in a typical small karst catchment of Southwest China. The results showed that under the same acid deposition level, the limestone soil and yellow soil profiles are significantly different from the distribution of contents and δ34S values of different S forms and the number of SRB. At the same time, more than 70% of the SO42- in the stream water draining the sampling slopes came from soils at different depths in limestone soil and yellow soil profiles. These results indicate the different response of retention and output of S in the limestone soil and yellow soil to S deposition input. The organic S formation and dissimilatory SO42- reduction (DSR) to form TRIS are S retention processes that exist in both limestone soil and yellow soil profiles. There are processes of transport and accumulation of SO42- at the bottom layer in yellow soil profile; therefore, retaining S as absorbed SO42- is also a main S retention process in yellow soil. At present, the output of SO42- through stream water mainly comes from the deposited SO42- which undergoes DSR reaction driven by SRB, not from organic S mineralization and desorption of adsorbed SO42- in the limestone soil and yellow soil profiles. However, organic S is the main S form in limestone soil and yellow soil. After the annual S deposition flux is significantly reduced, organic S mineralization in limestone soil and yellow soil profiles may release a large amount of SO42- into the surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient deficiencies in calcareous soils are mostly related to high soil pH whereas sulfur supplement could facilitate nutrient element uptake by the crop plants. However, inefficient sulfur oxidation in soils is a limiting factor for this response. Mixing elemental sulfur with bentonite mineral can increase oxidation of sulfur since bentonite provides the sulfur particles with a better dispersion condition following absorption of water. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of sulfur-bentonite granules with various proportions of bentonite to improve nutrient element uptake by the crop plants cultivated in calcareous soil. Four treatments of the sulfur-bentonite granules having 10, 20, 30 and 40 percentages of bentonite compared to the controls with no granules were applied to maize crop plants (Zea mays L.) cultivated in pots filled with an inoculated calcareous soil using Thiobacillus thioparus. At the end of the 80 days growth period; the results revealed significant soil pH decrease and growth parameters improvement with increasing bentonite proportion of the granules among the treated pots. Anyway, it appeared that a bentonite proportion of more than 30% in the granules can reverse improving trend of growth parameters in the cultivated plant. It was also confirmed that efficiency of the sulfur-bentonite granules is mostly contributed to increasing uptake of micro-nutrients of iron, manganese and copper alongside macro-nutrients of sulfur and phosphorus by the crop plants cultivated in the studied calcareous soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted in three locations: Arsi, East Shewa and West Shewa zones during 2014–16 aimed at exploring the influence of gypsum on wheat yield and soil properties. Results showed that gypsum application significantly increased wheat yield and affected soil composition. The applied highest rate of gypsum gave significantly higher wheat grain yield (**p < 0.01); and increased soil SO4-S and Ca2+ compared with the control variant (CK) and the lower gypsum rates. With applied highest rate of gypsum, grain yield advantage ranging from 93.3% at Berfeta Tokofa2, to 166.7% at Keteba2 sites compared with CK were obtained. While with applied nitrogen, percent grain yield advantages ranged from 68.8% at Wonji Gora, to 133.3% at Keteba2 sites compared with CK were obtained. The soil variables: sulfur, calcium, calcium saturation and saturation percent also showed dramatic changes after gypsum application. But, the contents of magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were reduced with the rate of gypsum applied. But, fertilizers urea and triple super phosphate (TSP) application increased soil phosphorus. Changes in soil pH due to gypsum were inconsistent or trendless. Overall, the significantly increasing wheat yield and enhanced soil composition signifies the role gypsum could play in organic farming in the country. However, as this was the on-farm experiment affected by multitude of factors, for proper recommendation and improvement of significance in the variables considered, it is therefore suggested that further works should be installed using controlled conditions and specialized laboratory techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur is an essential, fourth major nutrient required by plant after nitrogen, phosphorus and p otassium. The Potohar plateau covers an area of more than one million hectares. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency is well documented in Potohar plateau. Preliminary surveys suggested plant available SO4-S deficiency in Potohar Plateau, but no work has been carried out for accounting spatial variability of plant available SO4-S. A field survey was conducted in the two districts (Attock and Chakwal) of Potohar region for mapping plant available sulfate sulfur content in the soils. One hundred and fifty-one farmers' fields growing oilseed crops {Mustard (Brassica napus) and Sarson (Brassica juncea)} i.e., 78 from district Attock and 72 from district Chakwal were sampled. Soil sampling was done at the depth of 0-20 cm with stainless steel augur. Georeferencing of the sampled location was carried out using GPS (Garmine etrex). Spatial data along with attribute data was used to carry out geo-statistical analyses. The results indicated a widespread SO4-S deficiency in both districts i.e., 85 and 95% of total analyzed soil samples were categorized as deficient in plant available SO4-S contents in district Chakwal and Attock, respectively. Plant available sulfur was strongly spatial dependent in both districts which provided an opportunity to prepare digital maps indicating differential nutrient status of both districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur deficiency is recognized as a constraint to crop production all over the world from last decade. The soils of Northwestern Himalayas are also administering sulfur deficiency. To achieve higher yields with better nutritive quality, the plant fertilization management must include sulfur. Critical-level approach hardly advocated in vegetables, and no reports of critical limits of S were reported in Northwestern Himalayas. The present experiment on French bean and cauliflower on 10 types of soil (varying in pH and clay content) was laid out in completely randomized design under glass house with five levels of sulfur (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha−1). Application of sulfur significantly increased the yield of French-bean and cauliflower as compared to no application of sulfur. The highest yield was obtained with application of 40 kg S ha−1 in both the crops. The green pod yield of French-bean at 30 kg S ha−1 was statistically at par with 40 kg S ha−1. Critical limits of sulfur in soil were 9.5 mg kg−1 and 10.5 mg kg−1 for French-bean and cauliflower, respectively. Critical limits of S in French-bean and cauliflower plants were 0.103 and 0.336% sulfur, respectively. Critical limits of S in French-bean and cauliflower will help to supply nutrients in balanced amount and to achieve sustainability in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine (Cl) is indispensable for the growth of plants. While rarely systematic reports are available for the effect of Cl-containing fertilizers on citrus production. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of various Cl-containing fertilizers on the nutrients in the leaves, the yield and quality of sweet orange, and the Cl migration in the plant–soil–leaching system. A 5-year field experiment (2016–2020) with five Cl treatments (0, 75, 150, 450, and 900 kg ha−1), and soil core lysimeter test with five Cl levels (0, 150, 225, 300, and 450 kg ha−1) were carried out. The results showed that 77.0% of Cl leached into above 60 cm deeper soil layer, with calcium as the main accompanying ions, resulting in less Cl being absorbed by the citrus plants. The content of Cl in the leaves and soil was enhanced by the increasing input of Cl-containing fertilizer, without yearly increased characteristics, under a mean annual rainfall of 1,474 mm. Chlorine significantly increased the yield (13.24–37.8 9%), fruit weight, and vitamin C (Vc), in addition to enhancing the flavor and the juice yield of sweet orange via improving the absorption of N and K. Moreover, the long-term application of potassium sulfate has elevated the accumulation of sulfur in the soil and in leaves; it is becoming a potential risk factor for citrus production. Taken together, the application of Cl-containing fertilizer in sweet orange is feasible, and trace absorbance of Cl could improve the yield and fruit quality of sweet orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogeochemical processes of sulfur and heavy metals in the environment are closely related to each other. We investigated the influence of sulfur addition on hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance growth, cadmium (Cd) accumulation, soil Cd bioavailability, soil bacterial communities and plant transcriptome responses. The results showed that an appropriate rate of sulfur addition (1.0 or 2.5 g/kg) enhanced the growth of Sedum alfredii Hance plants as well as their accumulation of Cd. A high rate of sulfur addition (5.0 or 10.0 g/kg) causes toxicity to Sedum alfredii Hance plants. The application of an appropriate amount of sulfur to the soil increased the abundance of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria such as Sulfuriferula and Thiobacillus ; acid-fast bacillus such as Alicyclobacillus ; and cadmium-tolerant bacteria such as Bacillus and Rhodanobacter. This led to a decrease in pH and an increase in bioavailable Cd in the soil. RNA sequencing revealed that the addition of sulfur to soils led to the up regulation of most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in "photosynthesis" and "photosynthesis, light reaction" in Sedum alfredii Hance leaves. Moreover, the "plant hormone signal transduction" pathway was significantly enriched with sulfur addition. Sulfur assimilation in Sedum alfredii Hance plants may promote photosynthesis and hormone synthesis, leading to Cd tolerance in these plants. Our study revealed that sulfur fertilization enhanced the efficiency of Cd phytoremediation in Sedum alfredii Hance plants. [Display omitted] • Appropriate rate of sulfur increased the phytoremediation efficiency of Sedum alfredii Hance for Cd. • High rate of sulfur (5.0 g/kg) addition decreased the growth of Sedum alfredii Hance. • Sulfur addition increased the abundance of sulfur oxidative bacteria and Cd-tolerant bacterium in soil. • Sulfur assimilation in plant promoted the process of photosynthesis and hormone synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to the quantitative determination of sulfate sulfur in soils and sediments by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in combination with partial least squares (PLS) regression has been investigated. The quantitative analysis of sulfate sulfur was carried out by analyzing the spectra in the S-Kα and S-Kβ regions of sulfur spectral lines. The study shows that the differences in the spectra in both regions can be used for quantitative analysis of sulfate sulfur in the presence of sulfur in other forms. The obtained information can be used for quantitative express analysis of sulfur forms in objects of various nature. [Display omitted] • PLS regression can be used to quantify the forms of the elements. • S-Kα and S-Kβ emission lines are both suitable for quantitative determination of sulfate. • For determination of sulfate in samples with high lead content, S-Kα line will provide better results. • For determination of sulfate in samples with high molybdenum content, S-Kβ line will provide better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean, a sulfur-loving cash crop, suffers from declining soil sulfur with continuous cropping, hindering its growth and development. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake and promoting plant growth. Recent research has increasingly focused upon AMF's potential to enhance sulfur absorption through increased rhizosphere microbial activity. This study investigated the impact of AMF inoculation on soil organic sulfur mineralization, microbial community composition, and sulfur cycle function genes in the continuous cropping soybean rhizosphere. 16 S rRNA sequencing and high-throughput qPCR revealed changes in microbial community composition and the expression of sulfur cycle genes. ICP-MS measured total soil sulfur, and the BaSO 4 turbidimetric method determined available sulfur. Following inoculation of continuous cropping soybean soil with AMF, it was observed that OTU1851, OTU1897, OTU2148, OTU3303, and OTU3738, five specific rhizospheric soil sulfur cycling microbial communities, were enriched. And AMF inoculation enhanced sulfur cycle function, the abundance of aspA , soxY and yedZ increased by 143.23 %, 236.04 % and 436.64 %. This led to increased soil arylsulfatase (S-ASF) activity (from 39.17 to 49.82 μg/(mL·h)), available sulfur content (from 12.88 to 17.55 mg/kg), and ultimately, improved soybean sulfur absorption and growth. Therefore, this study holds significant implications for improving available sulfur content and utilization in sulfur-deficient soils. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical basis for using AMF as a biofertilizer to remediate sulfur -deficiency, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally widespread woody encroachment into grass-dominated ecosystems has substantial consequences for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles. Despite its significance as an essential macronutrient, however, little is known regarding potential changes in the sulfur (S) cycle. We quantified S concentrations, stoichiometric relationships, and δ34S values in the plant-soil environment to investigate landscape-scale changes in the S cycle following grassland-to-woodland transitions in a subtropical savanna. Plant tissues of woody species had significantly higher S concentrations and δ34S values than those of herbaceous species, resulting in a landscape-scale correspondence between spatial patterns of S and δ34S in surface soils (0–5 cm) and vegetation distribution, with higher S and δ34S in soils beneath woody patches. These patterns were more subtle at soil depths > 5 cm. Woody plants had higher N:S ratios but comparable P:S ratios relative to herbaceous species, which contributed to contrasting spatial patterns between N:S and P:S ratios in surface soils. Sulfur in surface soils increased proportionally less relative to N, but proportionally more compared to P. Our findings indicate that grassland-to-woodland transitions amplify landscape-scale S dynamics, especially in surface soils, and create a S-enriched environment that enables woody plants to acquire sufficient S relative to demand to support their continued productivity and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial community structures, sulfur speciation, and their correlations in soil samples in and around Xiangtan Liejiaqiao Coal Gangue Dump in Hunan province south of China were analyzed with gene sequencing, sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES), and principal components analysis (PCA). The gene sequencing results showed that the microbes in soil samples fell into six phyla, i.e., Nitrospira, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Deferribacteres, and Ktedonobacteria. The dominant bacteria species in the four samples were Moorella glycerini, Escherichia coli, Leptospirillum ferriphilum, Ferrimicrobium acidiphilum, Sulfobacillus benefaciens, and Desulfomonile tiedjei. According to the XANES results, sulfur speciation in soil samples was composed of sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and organic sulfur. The PCA analysis among physicochemical characteristics, sulfur speciation, and distributions of microbes showed that oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) was correlated to the bacterial population of Proteobacteria, while pH was correlated to Ktedonobacteria. Furthermore, the correlation between sulfur speciation (sulfate and thiosulfate) and microbes (Deferribacteres, Nitrospira, and Actinobacteria) was particularly significant. Sulfite and glutathione also presented a strong correlation with Ktedonobacteria and Proteobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable isotope ratios of groundwater sulfate (34S/32S, 18O/16O) are often used as tracers to help determine the origin of groundwater or groundwater contaminants. In agricultural watersheds, little is known about how the increased use of sulfur as a soil amendment to optimize crop production is affecting the isotopic composition of groundwater sulfate, especially in shallow aquifers. We investigated the isotopic composition of synthetic agricultural fertilizers and groundwater sulfate in an area of intensive agricultural activity, in Ontario, Canada. Groundwater samples from an unconfined surficial sand aquifer (Lake Algonquin Sand Aquifer) were analyzed from multi‐level monitoring wells, riverbank seeps, and private domestic wells. Fertilizers used in the area were analyzed for sulfur/sulfate content and stable isotopic composition (δ18O and/or δ34S). Fertilizers were isotopically distinct from geological sources of groundwater sulfate in the watershed and groundwater sulfate exhibited a wide range of δ34S (−6.9 to +20.0‰) and δ18O (−5.0 to +13.7‰) values. Quantitative apportionment of sulfate sources based on stable isotope data alone was not possible, largely because two of the potential fertilizer sulfate sources had an isotopic composition on the mixing line between two natural geological sources of sulfate in the aquifer. This study demonstrates that, when sulfate isotope analysis is being used as a tracer or co‐tracer of the origin of groundwater or of contaminants in groundwater, sulfate derived from synthetic fertilizer needs to be considered as a potential source, especially when other parameters such as nitrate independently indicate fertilizer impacts to groundwater quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of nutrients in agricultural soils of the world is one of the major factors of soil degradation. The deficiency of nutrients especially sulfur (S) and micronutrients in different soils affect global crop production. Delineation of soil management zones (MZs), by understanding spatial distribution of soil parameters, could be an efficient way for devising strategies for effective nutrient management and sustainable crop production. In this study, we aimed at creation of soil MZs for ameliorating S and micronutrients deficiencies in the Narmada River basin (NRB), an important agricultural area of central India. We collected 5,984 geo‐referenced top layer (0–15 cm) soil samples from the NRB, India, and analyzed for soil acidity (soil‐water suspension), electrical conductivity (soil‐water suspension), soil organic carbon (Walkley and Black carbon), phyto‐available S (0.15% calcium chloride [CaCl2] extractable), and phyto‐available (diethylene triamine penta acetic acid extractable) micronutrients namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and boron (B) (hot‐water‐soluble). The values of studied soil parameters varied widely with coefficient of variation values ranging from 11.0 to 74.9%. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis revealed significant correlations among the soil parameters. Geostatistical analysis revealed exponential, pentaspherical, K‐Bessel, and circular best‐fit semi‐variogram models for different soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. About 41.2, 78.6, 10.1, 2.70, and 32.6% of the area of the NRB had a deficit concentration of phyto‐available S, Zn, Fe, Mn, and B, respectively. The principal component analysis and fuzzy c‐means clustering produced five MZs. The produced MZ maps could be utilized for prioritization of nutrients supply and adoption of zone‐specific soil nutrient management strategies in order to achieve sustainable crop production in the NRB of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Riverine floodplain soils are important reservoirs of organic carbon (OC) in terrestrial ecosystems because of their high biomass productivity and OC input via flood events. Substantial knowledge of the riverine floodplain soil OC distribution and its impacting variables are significant for predicting carbon sequestration and emission. This study aimed at (1) predicting SOC in riverine floodplain soils using the multiple linear regression (MLR), M5P, and random forest (RF) models, (2) comparing the model performances, and (3) revealing the significant variables controlling the spatial dynamic of riverine floodplain soils OC. Materials and methods: In this study, 4227 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) from the Yangtze riverine floodplain were collected and analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC) and other properties. We identified the key variables impacting SOC and predicted the SOC spatial distribution based on three predictive models (i.e., MLR, M5P, and RF), measured soil attributes, and land-use data. Results and discussion: The study results indicated that total soil sulfur and nitrogen concentrations were the most important variables affecting the SOC distribution, followed by soil geochemical variables (e.g., Al2O3, Na2O, CaO, and Fe2O3), and alkalinity conditions. The M5P and RF models showed higher accuracy in predicting SOC compared with the MLR model. Although RF outperformed M5P in SOC prediction, RF was limited in revealing the relationships between SOC and environmental variables, restricting its interpretability. The land-use analysis highlighted that paddy soils were more conducive to maintaining high SOC concentration than upland soils. Conclusions: We recommend using the RF and M5P models to efficiently predict the SOC distribution in riverine floodplain soils as RF could produce higher prediction accuracy and M5P can detect the splitting process and identify relevant thresholds for the regression. Paddy management is crucial for SOC sequestration and grain production. Therefore, it is recommended as an efficient approach to enhance soil fertility, mitigate climate change, and ensure food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to find an indicator of plant sulfur status correlating most significantly with bioavailable sulfur in soil. The indicators of plant sulfur status in shoot biomass were: sulfur concentration, mass nitrogen to sulfur (N/S) ratio, mass phosphorus to sulfur ratio and sulfur nutrition index (SNI). The bioavailable soil sulfur was determined using water extraction (S-water), Mehlich 3 extractant (S-M3) and anion exchange membranes (S-AEMs). Results cover four years (2015–2018) of on-farm trials in the Czech Republic with winter wheat, winter oilseed rape and maize, and pot experiments including spring wheat and maize. Shoot biomass of plants was sampled at the beginning of stem elongation (winter wheat, winter rape and maize in on-farm trials), during rapid growth (maize in pot experiment) and during flowering (wheat plants, winter rape). Only soils containing 0.5%–1.7% of organic carbon were studied (median 1.31%). Compared to shoot N/S ratio, sulfur concentration in shoot biomass of maize correlated stronger with bioavailable soil sulfur. However, bioavailable sulfur in soil correlated strongest and most significantly with shoot N/S ratio of winter wheat and winter rape grown in on-farm trials. Except for winter rape grown on non-calcareous soils and maize grown in pot experiment, the shoot N/S ratio correlated more significantly with S-M3 compared to S-water and S-AEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) on the cadmium-contaminated soil was investigated under the treatment of sulfur (15, 30 and 60 g/kg soil). The effects of the sulfur treatment were evaluated by measuring the biomass and root vitality of the plants, enzymatic activities, and the content of malondialdehyde and Cd. The results show that the biomass and root vitality of the plants were significantly increased, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were improved when the soil was treated with 30 g sulfur/kg soil, while the activities of peroxidase and malondialdehyde were decreased. The total Cd in the plants treated with 15 g/kg soil was 2.8 times higher than that in the control plants. In summary, the results indicate that the addition of sulfur could promote the growth of Indian mustard and promote the uptake of Cd. As such, the treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil with sulfur can be used as a strategy for the removal of cadmium contamination by improving the phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous cropping of plants can result in the disruption of the soil microbial community and caused significant declines in yields. However, there are few reports on the effects of continuous cropping of sugarcane on the microbial community structure and functional pathway. In the current study, we analyzed the structural and functional changes of microbial community structure in the rhizospheric soil of sugarcane in different continuous cropping years using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics analysis. We collected rhizosphere soils from fields of no continuous cropping history (NCC), 10 years of continuous cropping (CC10), and 30 years of continuous cropping (CC30) periods in the Fujian province. The results demonstrated that continuous sugarcane cropping resulted in significant changes in the physicochemical properties of soil and the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities. With the continuous cropping, the crop yield dramatically declined from NCC to CC30. Besides, the redundancy analysis (RDA) of the dominant bacterial and fungal phyla and soil physicochemical properties revealed that the structures of the bacterial and fungal communities were mainly driven by pH and TS. Analysis of potential functional pathways during the continuous cropping suggests that different KEGG pathways were enriched in different continuous cropping periods. The significant reduction of bacteria associated with rhizospheric soil nitrogen and sulfur cycling functions and enrichment of pathogenic bacteria may be responsible for the reduction of effective nitrogen and total sulfur content in rhizospheric soil of continuous sugarcane as well as the reduction of sugarcane yield and sugar content. Additionally, genes related to nitrogen and sulfur cycling were identified in our study, and the decreased abundance of nitrogen translocation genes and AprAB and DsrAB in the dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway could be the cause of declined biomass. The findings of this study may provide a theoretical basis for uncovering the mechanism of obstacles in continuous sugarcane cropping and provide better guidance for sustainable development of the sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur (S) is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Despite increasing reports of yield responses of crops to S fertilization, there is limited information about changes in the soil test concentrations of S. This study used a soil chemical analysis dataset from 2002 to 2014 to evaluate changes in soil S and other nutrient levels. The soil‐test database comprised 8,428 topsoil samples (0–20 cm depth layer) collected from 143 farm fields located in the northwest (NW) Ohio counties of Defiance, Paulding, and Williams. Except for S, the database showed no significant changes in soil chemical properties from NW Ohio between 2002 and 2014. Soil sulfate (SO42−) levels have linearly decreased by 63% from 2002 to 2014, reaching the range of concentration considered deficient for the main cereal crops. With no changes in soil organic matter (SOM) and pH, this result was attributed primarily to enactment of air quality regulations, since soil SO42− decreases were directly correlated with the reductions of SO2 emissions (−70%), SO42− in rainwater (−66%) and deposited (−52%) in NW Ohio between the years of 2002–2013. Furthermore, combined increasing crop yields and insufficient compensation by fertilization had role on decreasing soil SO42− levels. Current fertilization practices and wet deposition of S have not been sufficient to balance S removals from soil leading to the declines in the soil test S levels. It is imperative to paid more attention to practices that maintain soil S fertility levels to avoid yield penalties associated with soil S deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was implemented in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC - Campus Rio do Sul), remaining in the field for 150 using the anion "ball" early cultivar, which traditionally grows in the Alto Vale do Itajaí (SC) region, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the response of the onion culture to different doses of S, with a randomized complete block design with five treatments (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 of S), and four replications in plots with 2,66 m². The line spacing of 0.33 m and between 0.10 m plants, with 20 plants per line and 80 plants per plot, 10 central plants were collected for analysis. It was determined the bulb diameter, number of leaf sheaths, and fresh and dry mass of leaves and bulbs. For soil sulfur analysis, soil samples were collected at depths of 0.0-0.20 m in all plots. After oven drying, the samples were milled and sieved with a 2 mm mesh. The tissue (leaf and bulb) and soil samples were opened by nitroperchloric digestion, followed by and spectrophotometer reading at the wavelength of 440 nm. All data were submitted to analysis of variance with the application of the 1% F test and 5.0% probability of error, whereas differences between treatments were assessed by the Skott-Knott test, using the SASm program. The fertilization with 30 kg ha-1 of S had an influence on the productivity of the onion culture. The addition of 30 kg ha-1 of S in the soil showed a greater accumulation of S in the tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential metalloid element for mammals. Nonetheless, both deficiency and excess of Se in the environment are associated with several diseases in animals and humans. Here, we investigated the interaction of Se, supplied as selenate (Se+6) and selenite (Se+4), with phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) in a weathered tropical soil and their effects on growth and Se accumulation in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. The P-Se interaction effects on L. leucocephala growth differed between the Se forms (selenate and selenite) supplied in the soil. Selenate was prejudicial to plants grown in the soil with low P dose, while selenite was harmful to plants grown in soil with high P dose. The decreasing soil S dose increased the toxic effect of Se in L. leucocephala plants. Se tissue concentration and total Se accumulation in L. leucocephala shoot were higher with selenate supply in the soil when compared with selenite. Therefore, selenite proved to be less phytoavailable in the weathered tropical soil and, at the same time, more toxic to L. leucocephala plants than selenate. Thus, it is expected that L. leucocephala plants are more efficient to phytoextract and accumulate Se as selenate than Se as selenite from weathered tropical soils, for either strategy of phytoremediation (decontamination of Se-polluted soils) or purposes of biofortification for animal feed (fertilization of Se-poor soils). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]