Reclamation of sulphur‐contaminated agricultural soil

Abstract

Abstract Reclamation potential of contaminated soil from beneath a sulphur block basepad was evaluated in three 62‐day greenhouse trials. The effect of CaCOs and manure treatments added to pots of soil containing four different levels of total sulphur (<0.1, 4, 9, and 14%) was tested through characterization of soil chemistry and growth of reed canary grass. Results for aboveground biomass determinations and selected soil chemical analyses are reported. Unamended soils were acidic and contained high levels of soluble aluminum. CaCO3 addition to sulphur‐contaminated soils resulted in a neutral soil pH which was maintained throughout the experiment. Electrical conductivity values of limed soils remained low throughout the experiment, which unlimed soil values significantly increased. Available phosphorus levels decreased with the CaCO3 treatment. Manure amendation did not significantly increase soil pH or lower soluble aluminum concentrations. No plant growth occurred in pots containing unamended, sulphur‐contaminated soil. Soils amended with manure alone, did not produce any plant growth. CaCO3 applications were not effective in promoting plant growth in soils with total sulphur levels above 4%. It is postulated that this may be due to pore space reduction as a result of gypsum formation in the limed soils and the physical presence of CaCO3.