Atmospheric Sulfur as Related to Fertility of Ultisols and Entisols in South Carolina

Authors:
  • UJU. S. Jones
    U. S. Jones
  • MHM. G. Hamilton
    M. G. Hamilton
  • JPJ. B. Pitner
    J. B. Pitner
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Abstract
Contributions of atmospheric sulfur (S) to soil fertility at 15 locations in South Carolina were estimated during the 5‐year period 1973–77 by measuring the S content of precipitation samples accumulated at 30‐day intervals and by measuring the S collected in lead peroxide samplers exposed to the air at the same time intervals. The S content of precipitation was compared with similar data collected at three locations in 1953–55. Concurrently with the 1973–77 study, long‐term uniform field experiments designed to measure response of seven crops to S added in the fertilizer were conducted at selected locations. The mean estimated annual amount of S added to the soil in precipitation for the period 1973–75 was 11.3 kg per ha. The corresponding addition in 1953–55 was 6.3 kg/ha. The mean estimated amount of S added to the soil from the air and precipitation increased from 11.2 kg/ha in 1973 to 19.8 kg/ha in 1977. Sulfur added in the fertilizer resulted in an increased yield (10% probability level) for one crop at one location.