Influence of Elemental Sulfur and Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria on Some Nutrient Deficiency in Calcareous Soils

ABSTRACT: Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are considered as amendments to increase the availability of phosphorus, iron and zinc in calcareous soils. This study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the effects of sulfur (S0, S0.5) on nutrient availability of calcareous soils. Soils were collected from East Azarbaiejan and khorasan provinces in Iran and all soils were incubated at 28°C for 60 days. The results showed that with S0.5 application Soil pH dropped and Sulfur concentration increased significantly with the addition of S0.5. Elemental Sulfur application considerably increased the electrical conductivity (EC). The solubility of the P, Fe and Zn significantly increased after 60 days of incubation with the application of S0.5 .The study suggests that S0.5 is an effective factor for the amendment of calcareous soils. Application of S0.5 is essential for nutrient availability in calcareous soils. The results indicated that sulfur facilitated the solubility of the P, Fe and Zn by soil microorganism