Soil chemical analysis for various studies shows the impact of Sulphur in crop production particularly in the field of agriculture, and a better result even obtained for the combined effect of Sulphur, Boron and Copper, though Sulphur is a macronutrient whereas Boron and Copper. In my present study, Sulphur concentration of the sampled forest soils varies from 0.28 to 16.53 kg/ha, whereas, Boron content 0.90 to 1.39 kg/ha and Copper from 0.31 to 8.98 kg/ha, are they standard values for the forest soils? Are they working well in combined form for the growth and vegetation of the forest soils?
Moreover, substrate soils are lacking Sulphur almost all over world including Indian subcontinent due to emission of Sulphur compounds to the atmosphere that reduces its concentration in the soils of the forest floors. On contrast, Copper present in the substrate soils as a component becomes retarded very quickly in the soil and that are not available as nutrients for the plants easily, then what contents of Sulphur, Copper and Boron availability are to be considered as the standard values for the forest soils in the forest patches in the south west forest patches of West Bengal?
@ Gautam, the total S content in uncontaminated soil usually ranges from 100 to 1000 mg kg−1 (Kabata-Pendias et al. 1995; Stevenson and Cole 1999).
Dr. Tarafdar - Convey my cordial thanks for the information regrading ranges of S content in the uncontaminated soil.
In comparison to the S content in uncontaminated soil, the obtained values for S content for the sampled forest soils is very low and it ranges from 0.24 to 14.01 mg/kg. Is there be any probable reason for such low values of S content in the forests soil which is an admixture of Alfisols and red soils/laterites covered with huge biomass for the litterfall and how this low contents of S affect the growth and development of the forest vegetation?
Further, is there be any references illustrating on the content of S content particularly for the forest soils? I do not found any such articles yet after a thorough search in the website.
@ Gautam, the low S content in your forest soil may be due to reduced inputs of sulfur from atmospheric deposition as well as loss through leaching.
Dr. Tarafdar - Thank you for your prompt reply, and, emission of Sulphur compounds to the atmosphere reduces its concentration in the soils of the forest floors is a major problem all over the world, but loss of Sulphur contents through leaching, as you stated as a reason for the low content of Sulphur in the forest soils, might be for the coarse grain size of the soil comprising red soils, then the leaching effect of S may be due to the typical soil texture in the study area, am I right?
@ Gautam, after heavy precipitation in the forest area sulphate leaching from the topsoil into subsoil can be a concern. Sandy soils have the greatest potential for sulphate leaching. After significant precipitation that can cause leaching, resulting a deficiency in plant-available sulphate- sulphur in surface soil.
Dr. Tarafdar - In the sampled forest soils, pH values are low, ranging from 4.65 to 5.76, does it play any role reducing S in the forest soils or plays negative role for sulphate accumulation which is adsorbed by the forest vegetation as nutrients?
@ Gautam, as your soil pH value is low, at that pH soil bacteria may change the sulphur to sulphuric acid, resulted further lowering of soil pH.
Dr. Tarafdar - Thanks for such a valuable information.
Is there be any influence of available phosphorus on such low content of sulfur as sulfate can be displaced by phosphate and phosphate is an effective extractant for soil sulfate, the available phosphorus content of the study area ranges from 4.87 to 133.06 kg/ha, though the sulfur content shows low values where the values of available phosphorus are also low for the forest soils.
@ Gautam, I think so, as each sulfur atom is connected to 1 or 2 phosphorus atoms.
Dr. Tarafdar - There is a close relationship between organic S and organic N in plant tissues of the forest vegetation, but I don't know whether there is any such relationship between S & N in the forest soil, and if there be any, how the low S content is compensated with the high values of N as the available N varies from 140 - 630 kg/ha in comparison to the S values 0.28 to 16.53 kg/ha, then how the ratio of N & S is maintained in the forest soils particularly in the present study area where most of the vegetation apparently exhibits its luxuriant appearances?
@ Gautam, I have not much idea about the forest soil of your area , but in general there is a strong relationship between S and N content especially in plants. Probably in your case it is exceptional, but the amount of sulfate–S cannot be used to predict the sufficiency of S. In general, the ratio of total N to total S and protein S determine the degree of availability of deficiency of S in protein.
Dr. Tarafdar - Convey my cordial thanks for illustrating stoichiometry of S concentration in forest floors and its pattern of occurrences, just a query more regarding S, does it (S content) in the forest soils vary with the vegetation types?
In my study area, S concentration varies from 0.20 to 12.11 mg/kg in Sal forest (Shorea robusta), 2.38 to 14.01 mg/kg in Kurchi (Holarrhena antidysenterica), 3.8 to 6.41 mg/kg in Piyal (Buchanania lanzan), and 2.85 to 3.8 mg/kg for Khoir (Acacia catechu) tree lines.
The obtained values after soil chemical analysis show the variations of S content varying and differing with the different classified vegetation pattern, though S concentration revealed low values for all types of such vegetation.
@ Gautam, definitely S concentration in the soil varies with the type of vegetation, as the rooting depth and geometry as well as uptake pattern are changing with the vegetation type.
Dr. Tarafdar, Thank you Sir for your prompt response.
Further, soil pH correlated negatively with S (r = - 0.22683), but soil pH correlated positively with all micronutrients like B, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn analyzed from the sampled soils in the present study area, probably influencing their availability, is it significant?
@ Gautam, soil pH affects the amount of nutrients and chemicals that are soluble in soil water, and resulted the amount of nutrients available to plants. Therefore, I guess, the form of S present in your soil may not be soluble in soil water. I suggest, you should not grow oilseeds, legumes, forages and certain vegetable crops have a high sulfur demand.
Dr. Tarafdar - Thank you Sir, and as the study area is the forest floor, and the substrate soil contains low sulphur concentration, does it affect growing of the seeds of Piyal (Buchanania lanzan) trees that are edible to the local tribal community making pickle with salt and green chili, because almost all the seeds of the vegetation either wild or practiced in the agriculture contain oil and fatty acids, extractable or non-extractable.
Further, in general, macronutrient S with micronutrients Cu and B in the soil trigger growth and development of the vegetation in combined form, then what properties or nature of chemical reactions work for such acts in combination of these three (S, B, Cu), as they are correlated positively. I don't find their chemical relationships yet, so I am waiting for your valuable illustrations.
@ Gautam, so far I know the S requirement is less in Piyal trees. Therefore, I think you may grow Piyal trees in your soil. The seeds of Piyal are a pretty good source of protein. With a relatively low-fat content and calorific value, these nutty seeds are a great addition to the daily diet. It has a pretty impressive fibre content which makes digestion easier. The host of healthful nutrients include vitamin B1, B2 and C as well as niacin.
Actually S has antagonism relation only with Mo. Therefore, you may expect good relationship among S, B, and Cu.
Is the Eucalyptus plantation in the badland helpful to improve the quality of soil within a shorter duration and convert barren land into a more or less fertile one?
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