HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ogata, G. Articles by Bower, C. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Ogata, G. Articles by Bower, C. A. Agricola Articles by Ogata, G. Articles by Bower, C. A.

Significance of Biological Sulfate Reduction in Soil Salinity¹

ABSTRACT

The effect of native and applied organic matter (straw) on sulfate reduction under anaerobic conditions in arid-zone soils was studied in the laboratory. Changes in the composition of dissolved and adsorbed ions as a consequence of SO₄ reduction was also studied. The results indicate that SO₄-reducing microorganisms are generally present in arid-zone soils. Appreciable reduction of any SO₄ present does not occur when arid-zone soils become anaerobic by waterlogging, however, unless undecomposed organic matter (plant residue) is present or the soil organic matter content is high (e.g., > 5%). Sulfate reduction results in the formation of equivalent amounts of carbonates which, upon reaction with soluble or exchangeable Ca and precipitation as CaCO₃, cause decreases in soil salinity and increases in the exchangeable sodium percentage.

¹ Contribution from U. S. Salinity Laboratory, Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, Riverside, California, in cooperation with the 17 Western States and Hawaii.

² Soil Scientist and Director, respectively, U. S. Salinity Laboratory, Riverside, California. The authors acknowledge the assistance of Robert D. Brummel.

Received for publication April 20, 1964. Accepted for publication August 25, 1964.