The effect of waste sulfur obtained during biogas desulfurization on the availability of selected trace elements in soil

Abstract

Research concerning the effect of the application of waste sulfur pulp (doses: 10, 20, 30, 60 mg S · kg -1 d.m. of soil) on selected soil properties was carried out. The pulp contained sulfur in the elemental form. Before setting up the experiment, the soil had a slightly acid reaction (determination in 1 mol · dm -3 KCl) and was not contaminated with heavy metals. After conducting the incubation experiment, it was observed that the application of sulfur pulp led to a statistically significant (and proportional to the dose) increase in the content of available sulfur in soil. Application of waste caused a decrease in soil pH and an increase in the mobility and availability of Zn, Cd and Mn (extracted with 0.01 mol · dm -3 CaCl 2 ). In relation to soil without waste, more Zn, Cd and Mn (by 4-51%, 9-24% and 0.1-31%, respectively) was determined. Liming reduced the acidifying effect of the introduced waste -after 150 days, only soil with the highest dose of sulfur pulp was characterized by a statistically significantly lower pH than the soil without the waste addition. An increase in the rate of sulfur oxidation was also observed -after 150 days of the experiment, more sulfate sulfur (by 14.4-34.5%) was determined, with respect to treatments of the unlimed series. A considerably lower content of Zn, Cd and Mn was determined in the limed soil than in the unlimed one. Regardless of waste dose and date of analysis, the soil contained a trace content of mobile forms of Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb.

Chemical and Enzymatic Changes of Different Soils during Their Acidification to Adapt Them to the Cultivation of Highbush Blueberry

“…The decrease in the soil pH intensified over time, which was in line with the results shown in the studies of Krzebietke and Benedycka [19] and Ochmian et al [33]. Fertilization can directly or indirectly change the soil's chemical, physical, and microbiological properties, thereby influencing its productivity [34,35].…”

Effect of the Fertilizer Application Method on Soil Abundance in Available Sulfur

“…Heavy soil abundance after sulfur application was at least medium (the highest after application of the double dose of sulfur and ground phosphate rock -anthropogenically elevated). An increase in soil abundance in sulfate sulfur after application of elemental sulfur has been recorded earlier (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018;Kulczycki, 2015;Stanisławska-Glubiak et al, 2012). Intensity of elemental sulfur oxidation depends on temperature, moisture and pH of soil (optimum: 20-30ºC, moisture approximately 60%, pH 6.0-7.0) (Hoffman et al, 2014), activity of oxidizing bacteria (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans), and also on properties of sulfur material (including the size of particles, which determines the degree of contact with soil).…”

“…Previous studies confirmed soil acidification after sulfur application (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018;Kulczycki, 2015;Yang et al, 2010). Such acidification can be limited by liming; adjustment of the soil reaction is also beneficial for the activity of sulfur oxidizing microorganisms (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018).…”

“…Previous studies confirmed soil acidification after sulfur application (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018;Kulczycki, 2015;Yang et al, 2010). Such acidification can be limited by liming; adjustment of the soil reaction is also beneficial for the activity of sulfur oxidizing microorganisms (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018). Stanisławska-Glubiak et al, (2012) did not state that application of mixtures of phosphate rock and sulfur had a stronger acidifying effect than application of phosphate rock exclusively, especially when the sulfur dose was not very high.…”

“…In addition, sulfate ions increase soil acidification, and as a result increase solubility of phosphorus compounds. A decrease in soil pH also modifies the availability of other elements (Bobowiec and Tabak, 2018). Evans et al, (2006) indicated the possibility of using sulfur to increase phosphorus availability in organic farming, including conditions of low soil moisture.…”