Genesis and Management of Acid Sulfate Soils

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the management of acid sulfate soils and the use of these soils for agriculture. Acid sulfate soils cover relatively small areas in temperate lands and large areas in the tropics. The chapter describes the formation of sulfides. Sulfur originates from sulfates in sea water, from ancient sediments, or from biological materials. The factors governing the formation of sulfides in sediments and the mechanisms involved in the oxidation of the sulfides are also discussed. The chapter examines the use of acid sulfate soils for fish ponds and the problems associated with mining and engineering. Simple routine methods that are rapid and reliable are needed for detecting potential acid sulfate soils and for predicting the degree of acidity that would develop on drainage. The chapter determines the rates at which sulfides oxidize, the rates at which the resulting sulfates are leached, and the degree of acidity that develops on oxidation and leaching.