The effect of long-term fertilization on the sulphur content in soil and in the mountain meadow sward (Czarny Potok)

Abstract

The influence of long-term regular mineral fertilization on the soil environment considering the total sulphur and the sulphur balance in the habitat of the permanent mountain meadow was investigated. The experimental field (set up in 1968) is situated at Czarny Potok (20°8’ E, 49°4’ N) in the central part of the Polish Carpathian. With completed annual NPK fertilisation 1.8 kg S/ha was introduced into the soil. The highest sulphur amount was found in the 0–10 cm horizon and this value slightly exceeded the content considered as natural. The sulphur content in the sward from Czarny Potok was lower than the mean sulphur content calculated in Poland for grasses (0.21% S). In the case of full NPK fertilisation the amount of removed sulphur ranged from 11.4 to 14.0 kg S/ha. The mean sulphur leaching into the soil profile from surface of 1 ha can be estimated from 1.1 to 3.7 kg S/ha.