Response to Sulfur and Organic Matter Status by the Application of Sulfidic Materials in S-Deficient Soils in Bangladesh: Possibilities and Opportunities

Abstract: The sulfidic materials (SM)/layers of acid sulfate soils deserve attention to use these soil materials for the reclamation of sulfur deficient soil and other poor soils such as saline, alkaline, or calcareous (Khan et al. 2002). The availability of land for growing crops is limited; it may become inevitable to utilize marginal and problem soils. Sulfur deficiency has become widespread over the past several decades in most of the agricultural areas of the world including Bangladesh, which have need of sustainable measures for their reclamation. The content of available sulfur in the soils were increased by the application of SM, regardless of soil conditions and the effects were significantly positive (p≤0.05) with the ahead of time in compared to other treatments like gypsum, magnesium sulfate etc. At the same time, all the rates of SM showed the significantly (p≤0.05) positive effects on organic matter status in the soils and increments were more striking with the higher rates. This means the SM has potential and effective impacts than that of gypsum or magnesium sulfate not only as a source of fertilizer but also to enrich the fertility and productivity status of soil. Moreover, the SM treatment was found to be maintained the high nutrient status in the soil till the final harvest at maturity of different crops, reflecting a good indication for its long term use. It is mentioned that the use of SM did not show any harmful effect on the plant and soil in Bangladesh so far. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(1):88-93] (ISSN:1553-9873)