Effect of sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus on soil salinity and growth of tropical tree legumes.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of the elementary sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus, compared with gypsum, in the amendment of a alluvial sodic saline soil from the Brazilian semiarid region, irrigated with saline water and grown with the tropical legumes leucena and mimosa. The treatments consisted of levels of sulphur (0; 300 and 600 kg/ha) and gypsum (1,200 and 2,400 kg/ha), irrigation using different waters containing the salts NaHCO3, MgCl2, CaCl2, NaCl and KCl, with different electrical conductivities (ECs: 0.2. 6.1 and 8.2 dS/m at 25 degrees C). Based on the results it appears that saline water increased exchangeable Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and soil pH. Sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus was more efficient than gypsum in the reduction of the exchangeable sodium of the soil and promoting leaching of salts, especially sodium. Sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus reduced the EC of the soil saturation extract to levels below that adopted in soil classification of sodic or saline sodic. Leucena was more tolerant to salinity and mimosa more resistant to acidity promoted by sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus.     

等距开槽结合施用石膏改良苏打盐碱土

采用田间小区试验,研究了等距开槽结合施用石膏对东北松嫩平原西部苏打盐碱土的改良效果。结果表明:等距开槽(20～40cm心土层开槽,槽间距1m)能有效降低开槽点的土壤紧实度,对槽间土壤紧实度也有一定的降低作用,且与对照(不开槽)紧实度的差异达到极显著水平;等距开槽必须结合石膏才能改善土壤的化学性质,加石膏与未加石膏处理的pH和碱化度达到差异显著水平,而电导率值在处理前后差异不显著,开槽松土处理对槽内土壤化学性质改善效果不明显;磷石膏与脱硫石膏在改土效果上差异不显著,石膏配合开槽能有效改善土壤理化性质和植物生长状况,且对槽间土壤改良和植物生长均有一定的促进作用。     

石膏改良苏打碱土.Ⅰ.经济改良层石膏用量的确定

石膏可以改良盐碱土,室内土柱淋洗试验是验证其改良效果的方法之一。本文将石膏计划改良层定为40cm,计算的定量石膏与0～10cm土层混匀后,装填0～40cm土柱于室内进行分次淋洗试验,将收集的滤液测定溶液离子组成并换算成盐分,应用推理计算法分析石膏溶解、转化、渗漏情况,以及石膏与碱性盐及交换性钠镁作用量。结果表明:将石膏与表层0～10cm土层混匀条件下,4次灌水后,0～40cm的土层物理通透性改善,渗透时间变小,pH由9.25降到8.20,碱化度均基本达到10,而且还有残余石膏,应用推理计算法得出,最经济纯石膏理论改良用量为0.05t·hm-2。     

Reclamation of highly calcareous saline sodic soil using Atriplex halimus and by-product gypsum

The removal of sodium salts from saline soils by salt tolerant crops, as alternative for costly chemical amendments, has emerged as an efficient low cost technology. Lysimeter experiments were carried out on a highly saline sodic soil (ECe = 65.3 dS m(-1), ESP = 27.4, CEC = 47.9 cmole+ kg(-1), and pH = 7.7) and irrigated with canal water (EC = 2.2 dSm(-1), SAR = 4.8) to investigate reclamation efficiency under four different treatments: control (no crop and no gypsum application) (C), gypsum application equivalent to 100% gypsum requirement (G100), planting sea orach (Atriplex halimus) as phytoremediation crop (Cr), planting sea orach with gypsum application equivalent to 50% gypsum requirement (CrG50). Soil salinity (ECe) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were significantly reduced compared to the control. Average ESP and ECe (dS m(-1)) in the top layer were 9.1, 5.8 (control), 4.8, 3.7 (Cr), 3.3, 3.9 (CrG50), and 3.8, 3.1 (G100), respectively. Atriplex halimus can be recommended as phytoremediation crop to reclaim highly saline sodic clay loam soils.     

Desodification from calcareous saline sodic soil through phytoremediation with Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. and gypsum

The reclamation of saline sodic soils requires sodium removal and the phytoremediation is one of the proven low-cost, low-risk technologies for reclaiming such soils. However, the role of Phragmites australis in reclaiming saline sodic soils has not been evaluated extensively. The comparative reclaiming role of P. australis and gypsum was evaluated in a column experiment on a sandy clay saline sodic soil with EC_e 74.7 dS m^?1, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 63.2, Na⁺ 361 g kg^?1, and pH 8.46. The gypsum at 100% soil requirement, planting common reed (P. australis) alone, P. australis + gypsum at 50% soil gypsum requirements, and leaching (control without plant and gypsum) were four treatments applied. After 11 weeks of incubation, the results showed that all treatments including the control significantly reduced pH, EC, exchangeable Na⁺, and SAR from the initial values, the control being with least results. The gypsum and P. australis + gypsum were highly effective in salinity (EC_e) reduction, while sodicity (SAR) and Na⁺ reductions were significantly higher in P. australis + gypsum treatment. The reclamation efficiency in terms of Na⁺ (83.4%) and SAR (86.8%) reduction was the highest in P. australis + gypsum. It is concluded that phytoremediation is an effective tool to reclaim saline sodic soil.     

Effectiveness of sulfur with Acidithiobacillus and gypsum in chemical attributes of a Brazilian sodic soil

Gypsum and sulfur have been used as amendments for application in sodic and saline sodic soils, although gypsum is not effective in soil pH reduction. In this study the combined effects of elemental sulfur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus (S*) and gypsum (G) in chemical attributes of a Brazilian solodic soil was evaluated. The treatments consisted in addition of S* and G in various levels (0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 t ha⁻¹) and different mixing proportions (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 100:0), acting during 15, 30, and 45 days. Sulfur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus (S*) markedly reduced soil pH in the leaching solution, especially when applied in the highest levels. Gypsum or sulfur applied individually was not satisfactory for soil reclamation. At 15 days of incubation Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ showed higher values in the leaching solution, and a marked decrease was observed in the leaching solution at 30 days. Reduction in soil electrical conductivity and in exchangeable Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ was observed and in a general way best results were achieved with S* : G in the ratio 50:50, using 2.4 and 3.2 t ha⁻¹. Sulfur with Acidithiobacillus was more effective than gypsum in decreasing soil pH, and sulfur applied with gypsum in the proportion 50:50 showed the best results in relation to exchangeable sodium and electrical conductivity and showed values below those used for classification as sodic soils.     

Microbial Community Composition in a Rehabilitated Bauxite Residue Disposal Area: A Case Study for Improving Microbial Community Composition

The chemical composition of rehabilitated Bauxite Residue Disposal Areas (BRDA) remains the primary indicator of rehabilitation success, with little consideration of microbial community development. We investigated links between the chemical and microbial components of rehabilitated residue at the Aughinish Alumina BRDA (Ireland). Rehabilitated was compared to unamended residue and to an analogy reference soil from unmanaged grassland within the refinery boundary. Bauxite residue comprised of areas with 1, 11, and 12 years following rehabilitation establishment, and gypsum applied at 45 and 90 t/ha. The unamended residue was typical of bauxite residues with high pH (10), sodicity (exchangeable sodium percentage [ESP]‐79), exchangeable sodium (19 cmol/kg), salinity (electrical conductivity [EC] 2.6 mS/cm), and low/negligible nutrient content, microbial biomass (71 µg‐C/g), and fungal phospholipid fatty acid (PLF). Microbial biomass increased 10‐fold with only 1 year of rehabilitation. Gypsum application rate had no effect on microbial biomass. Phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA) demonstrated the emergence of distinct microbial community dependent on rehabilitation time and gypsum application rates. Changes of PLFA profiles were correlated (multiple regressions analysis) to shifts in residue chemical properties (sodicity, organic C, total C, total N, salinity, Mg). An increase of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi fatty acid (16:1ω5) with reducing pH has implications on rehabilitation practices. The microbial characteristics of the rehabilitated residue were approaching that of a soil from an unmanaged reference site adjacent to the working site. Gypsum affected PLFA properties, and thereby application has implications for rehabilitation success. For successful ecosystem reconstruction, it is critical that rehabilitation practices consider microbial development.     

Effect of reclamation of sandy soil on some chemical and microbiological properties

The physico-chemical properties of the soil were gradually improved; a progressive increase in silt and clay, moisture equivalent, organic matter, total nitrogen, C : N ratio and cation exchange capacity was observed during reclamation. Microbiological analysis showed that bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi had increased progressively as a result of cultivation. The increase in the microbial counts showed a positive relation with the increase in the organic matter content of the soil. This indicates that one of the limiting factors for microbial proliferation is organic matter. It was also found that the aerobic cellulose-decomposers, nitrifiers, Azotobacter and Clostridia had increased gradually with the cultivation of these soils. The increase of Clostridia was more remarkable than that of Azotobacter.     

Long-term availability of nutients in forest soil derived from fast- and slow-release fertilizers

The availability of P, K and Mg was studied in boreal forest soil treated 10 years earlier with slow- and fast-release fertilizers. Fast release superphosphate, potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate and slow-release apatite (P) and biotite (K, Mg) were applied alone or together with urea or urea+limestone. The concentrations of total and exchangeable nutrients in the organic horizon and the concentration of exchangeable nutrients in the uppermost mineral horizon were measured. CO₂ production during aerobic laboratory incubation was used to estimate the microbial activity and substrate-induced respiration to determine the microbial biomass C in soil. Biotite caused a moderate but persistent increase in pH in the organic horizon, but this increase was smaller than with lime. The fast-release fertilizers had no effects on the nutrient status of the soil 10 years after the fertilization. However, apatite and biotite still increased the total content of Mg, K and P and the concentrations of exchangeable Mg and soluble P in soil. On the other hand, simultaneous addition of lime and biotite reduced the release of soluble P from apatite. The reduction in soil microbial activity found with urea and the fast-release salts soon after application was no longer evident 10 years later. There was no increase in nitrification in the fertilized soils, not even with the urea+lime treatment. The previous results right after the application and the results presented here do not indicate major leaching of nutrients from the slow-release fertilizers to the deeper soil profiles.     

The effect of bioaugmentation on the performance of sequencing batch reactor and sludge characteristics in the treatment process of papermaking wastewater

In this paper, the differences between reinforced sequencing batch reactor, which was inoculated with superior mixed flora, and conventional sequencing batch reactor were compared in the process of treating papermaking wastewater under similar conditions. The results showed that the addition of superior mixed flora could not only shorten the sludge acclimation time, but also improve the treatment efficiency of reactor as well as make the reactor have higher ability to withstand high volume loading rate; the phenomenon of aerobic granulation only occurred in reinforced sequencing batch reactor, and superior mixed flora were the key reason that aerobic granular sludge could shape; aerobic granular sludge had many advantages over conventional activated sludge such as it possessed compacter microbial structure, better settling performance, and lower water content.     

A new robust hybrid model based on support vector machine and firefly meta-heuristic algorithm to predict pistachio yields and select effective soil variables

Pistachio production is an economically important crop that grows in arid environments. To predict yield and sustainably manage the use of natural resources such as soil and water, we modelled the effect of soil properties by classification and regression tree, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines and developed a new hybrid model of support vector machines and the firefly meta-heuristic algorithm. We sampled soils from 124 pistachio orchards in Iran and analyzed them for a range of parameters. Available phosphorus and potassium, exchangeable sodium percentage, soil salinity, gypsum, calcium carbonate and gravel were selected as predictors in the subsequent model based on correlation coefficients, sensitivity analysis and ANOVA hypothesis testing. For modeling, the optimized values for the Kernel function parameters in the hybrid model of ζ, ε and γ were 8.76, 0.001 and 0.99, respectively, while the ideal numerical combinations for p and k parameters in the k-nearest neighbors model were 0.3 and 5, respectively. We checked the difference between the models using paired t-tests which showed that improvements were significant. According to the results, k-nearest neighbors, classification and regression tree and support vector machines algorithms could explain 83, 84 and 88% of the variation of pistachio yield, respectively, but improved to 94% in the hybrid model because it was more able to efficiently capture non-linear relationships. Soil available phosphorus was the most important determinant of pistachio yield, with soil salinity, exchangeable sodium percentage, potassium, gypsum, calcium carbonate and gravel ranked in order of decreasing importance. These outputs can help planners and farmers to better manage soil properties to increase pistachio yield and sustainable production.     

Microbial changes during oil decomposition in soil

An examination has been made of the changes in bacterial and fungal populations during the decomposition of oil in contaminated soil. The number of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and the length of mycelium increased in the oily soil whereas the number of CFU (= colony forming units) of fungi was highest in a control soil. The percentage of oil-utilizing fungi increased from 60% to 82%, while the bacterial utilization figure increased from 3% to 50%. The important oil-utilizing fungus Scolecobasidium appeared only in the oily soil, but otherwise the composition of the fungal flora changed only little after addition of oil. In laboratory experiments the chemical Pajab FI was shown to increase microbial activity.     

种植年限对蔬菜日光温室土壤微生物区系和酶活性的影响

以种植2、4、6、11、13、16、19年的蔬菜日光温室土壤为研究对象,并以露地菜田为对照,测定了土壤微生物区系及酶活性的变化.结果表明: 随着种植年限的增加,土壤中细菌、放线菌和微生物总数均呈现先增加后减少的趋势,在种植11年时达到最大值,分别比对照增加了54.8%、63.7%和55.4%,差异达显著水平;而真菌数量持续上升,种植19年约为对照的2.2倍.微生物生理类群中,纤维素分解菌、自生固氮菌、亚硝酸细菌、反硝化细菌和硫化细菌数量的变化趋势与细菌相似, 种植11年分别为对照的1.5、1.6、1.9、1.4和1.1倍;而氨化细菌数量则呈现先减少后增加的趋势,在种植13年时达到最小值,为对照的56.0%.土壤中脲酶、多酚氧化酶、蔗糖酶、蛋白酶、纤维素酶和碱性磷酸酶活性随种植年限的增加呈现先增强后减弱的趋势,而过氧化氢酶活性较稳定.相关分析表明,细菌、放线菌和微生物总数与各土壤酶均呈显著正相关;而真菌数量与脲酶、蔗糖酶、过氧化氢酶和碱性磷酸酶均呈负相关,其中与过氧化氢酶的相关性达到显著水平.     

大棚蔬菜轮/连作系统土壤肥力与微生物因子综合评价

从土壤肥力与微生物因子探索连茬障碍机理,以期为其提供科学依据。研究草莓番茄轮作(RST)、番茄连作4年(CT4)和番茄连作10年(CT10)3种蔬菜种植模式根际与非根际土壤微生物区系及生理菌群,并对土壤肥力与微生物生物因子进行主成分分析。结果表明根际土壤微生物三大类群和生理菌群数量均高于非根际,根际效应显著。番茄连作根际与非根际土壤细菌和放线菌数量呈现先增加后减少趋势;真菌数量呈线型增加趋势,CT4和CT10在根际与非根际较RST分别增加9.09%和2.11%、75.48%和57.72%。番茄连作根际土壤硝化细菌和好气性自生固氮菌数量的减少,氨化细菌与好气性纤维素分解菌在短期连作表现为增加长期减少的变化趋势;解钾菌、无机磷和有机磷细菌数量在根际与非根际土壤均减少。在6种研究的种植模式中,RST根际土壤状况最好,其次为CT4的根际与RST非根际土壤,CT10的根际土壤、CT4与CT10非根际土壤状况最差。结论是蔬菜连作造成土壤质量下降,连作年限越长下降越显著。     

Some studies of salt-affected soils of Canning,West Bengal

Summary Six profiles from a representative area in the southern part of the deltaic region of Gangetic West Bengal, India, were examined. Of these, one can be termed as normal, another as non-saline alkali, and the remaining four as saline alkali. Of the saline alkali ones, there was one profile which had a rather low pH. The acidic condition of the soil is due to the presence of decaying organic matter in the soil giving rise to what has been termed as a degraded saline alkali soil. In designating the soils as such, the broad conditions of total soluble salts expressed as percentage of sodium chloride per hundred grams of soil and the exchangeable sodium percentage have been used as the criterion. The soils have thus been classified taking into consideration the dominant soil-forming factors active here. Remedial measures to improve these soils include the incorporation of green-manuring crops and the application of soil ameliorants like lime, gypsum and sometimes other chemical amendments. The soils must be surveyed in order to delineate the types of salt-affected soils, and during reclamation, drainage and irrigation measures should not be lost sight of either.     

Application of a green manure and green manure composted with beet vinasse on soil restoration: effects on soil properties

Beet vinasse (BV), a green manure constituted by Trifolium pratense L. uncomposted (TP) and composted with beet vinasse (at 1:1 rate, (TP+BV)1, and 2:1 rate, (TP+BV)2) at 10t organic matter ha(-1) rate were applied during a period of four years for purpose of restoration of a Xelloric Calciorthid located near Seville (Guadalquivir Valley, Andalusia, Spain). The effect on the plant cover, soil physical (structural stability and bulk density), chemical (exchangeable sodium percentage), and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration and enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, urease, beta-glucosidase, phosphatase and arylsulfatase) were determined. The application of BV had a detrimental impact on soil physical (structural stability decreased 16.5% and bulk density increased 18.7% respect to the control soil), chemical (exchangeable sodium percentage increased 87.3% respect to the control soil), and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration, and dehydrogenase, urease, beta-glucosidase, phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities decreased by 53.5%, 24.5%, 27.8%, 15%, 39.7%, 42.7%, and 65.6%, respectively with respect to the control soil), probably because high quantities of monovalent cations (Na principally) were introduced into the soil by the vinasse, thus destabilizing its structure. The application of TP had a positive impact on soil physical (structural stability increased 5.9% and bulk density decreased 6.1% respect to the control soil), and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration, and dehydrogenase, urease, beta-glucosidase, phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities increased by 66.3%, 45.6%, 97.7%, 98.9%, 97.7%, 87.2%, and 89.4%, respectively with respect to the control soil). However, when BV was co-composted with a green manure, principally at a 2:1 rate, the resulting compost had a positive effect on soil physical (structural stability increased 10.5% and bulk density decreased 13.5% respect to the control soil), and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration, and dehydrogenase, urease, beta-glucosidase, phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities increased by 68.9%, 46.2%, 97.5%, 98.4%, 99.1%, 90.5% and 91.6%, respectively with respect to the control soil). After four years, the percentage of plant cover decreased 64.3% in the BV-amended plots respect to the control soil, whereas increased 82.8%, 81.6% and 81% in the (TP+BV)2, (TP+BV)1 and TP treatments, respectively. While the application of BV deteriorates the soil and therefore does not contribute to its restoration, the application of TP, and BV composted with TP protects the soil and will contribute to its restoration.     

High-analysis granular sulphur assemblages as sources of sulphur for lucerne

Summary A growth chamber study was conducted to compare five granulated sulphur assemblages and a commercially available prilled sulphur with gypsum and flowers of sulphur as sources of sulphur for lucerne grown on two sulphur deficient soils, one from the Armstrong area of B.C. and one from California. Following one surface application of the various sulphur supplying materials at rates of 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg of sulphur per 3750 g of soil, four consecutive harvests were removed from the Enderby silt loam during a 145 day period and three cuttings were taken over a 119 day cropping interval on the Willits soil from California.Although gypsum and finely divided sulphur were the most effective sources, three of the five assemblages also had a favourable influence upon yield of lucerne, sulphur concentration and sulphur uptake. The three acceptable assemblages were sulphur-bentonite, sulphur-goulac-ammonium sulphate and sulphur-gypsum-goulac and they produced beneficial effects upon lucerne growth that were often comparable to those obtained with finely divided sulphur.On the basis of this investigation, it appears that certain granular high-analysis sulphur assemblages made from finely divided sulphur and binding agents, such as gypsum, ammonium sulphate, goulac and bentonite have satisfactory agronomic properties. Because these assemblages have suitable agronomic and physical properties they should be ideal for bulk blending with other granular fertilizer materials or for use in direct application to the soil. Wider scale testing of the sulphur-bentonite, sulphur-goulac-ammonium sulphate and sulphur-gypsum-goulac assemblages would seem to be justified.This paper was presented before the 12th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Soil Science, June 28, 1967, Macdonald College, Quebec.     

Ecological strategy for soil contaminated with mercury

Aims

The paper presents results from plot experiments aimed at the development of an ecological strategy for soil contaminated with mercury. Meadow grass (Poa pratensis) was tested on mercury contaminated soil in a former chlor-alkali plant (CAP) in southern Poland for its phytoremediation potential.

Methods

The stabilisation potential of the plants was investigated on plots without additives and after the addition of granular sulphur. Biomass production, uptake and distribution of mercury by plants, as well as leachates and rhizosphere microorganisms were investigated, along with the growth and vitality of plants during one growing season.

Results

The analysed plants grew easily on mercury contaminated soil, accumulating lower amounts of mercury, especially in the roots, from soil with additive of granular sulphur (0.5 % w/w) and sustained a rich microbial population in the rhizosphere. After amendment application the reduction of Hg evaporation was observed.

Conclusions

The obtained results demonstrate the potential of using Poa pratensis and sulphur for remediation of mercury contaminated soil and reduction of the Hg evaporation from soil. In the presented study, methods of Hg reduction on “hot spots” were proposed, with a special focus on environmental protection. This approach provides a simple remediation tool for large areas heavily contaminated with mercury.

     

土地利用驱动的土壤性状变化影响微生物群落结构和功能

微生物在调节陆地生态系统地球化学循环过程中具有重要作用。土地利用方式改变显著影响土壤微生物群落结构和功能,但对土地利用驱动的土壤性状变化与微生物群落结构和功能关系的研究相对匮乏。依托长期定位监测试验（始于1984年）,通过16S rRNA基因片段和ITS高通量测序,研究了土地利用方式（裸地、农田、草地）驱动的土壤碳氮变化对微生物群落结构和功能的影响。结果表明：对于细菌群落而言,裸地中α-多样性最高、其次是草地、农田中最低,农田和草地中细菌优势菌群变形菌（Proteobacteria）和放线菌门（Actinobacteria）相对丰度较裸地低4.5%、3.9%和5.5%、3.8%;对于真菌群落而言,裸地子囊菌门（Ascomycota）相对丰度最高、农田次之、草地最低;化能异养型、好氧化能异养型细菌相对丰度裸地显著高于农田和草地（P<0.05）,而硝化型和好氧氨氧化型细菌裸地显著低于农田和草地（P<0.05）;腐生型真菌相对丰度大小排序为：裸地>农田>草地。细菌群落变化主要与土壤容重、全氮、矿质氮、C ： N比和微生物量碳有关,而真菌群落与土壤矿质氮有关。细菌和真菌功能菌群主要受土壤容重、土壤有机碳、土壤全氮、C ： N比和微生物量碳影响。因此,土壤容重、土壤全氮、土壤有机碳、C ： N比、微生物量碳、矿质氮差异可能是影响不同土地利用方式中微生物群落和功能变化的主要因素。     

The role of soil microbes in plant sulphur nutrition

Chemical and spectroscopic studies have shown that in agricultural soils most of the soil sulphur (>95%) is present as sulphate esters or as carbon-bonded sulphur (sulphonates or amino acid sulphur), rather than inorganic sulphate. Plant sulphur nutrition depends primarily on the uptake of inorganic sulphate. However, recent research has demonstrated that the sulphate ester and sulphonate-pools of soil sulphur are also plant-bioavailable, probably due to interconversion of carbon-bonded sulphur and sulphate ester-sulphur to inorganic sulphate by soil microbes. In addition to this mineralization of bound forms of sulphur, soil microbes are also responsible for the rapid immobilization of sulphate, first to sulphate esters and subsequently to carbon-bound sulphur. The rate of sulphur cycling depends on the microbial community present, and on its metabolic activity, though it is not yet known if specific microbial species or genera control this process. The genes involved in the mobilization of sulphonate- and sulphate ester-sulphur by one common rhizosphere bacterium, Pseudomonas putida, have been investigated. Mutants of this species that are unable to transform sulphate esters show reduced survival in the soil, indicating that sulphate esters are important for bacterial S-nutrition in this environment. P. putida S-313 mutants that cannot metabolize sulphonate-sulphur do not promote the growth of tomato plants as the wild-type strain does, suggesting that the ability to mobilize bound sulphur for plant nutrition is an important role of this species.