Effect of different moisture sequences and a short period of drying between them on the changes in sulphate levels in soils during incubation

Summary Effect of two different moisture sequences with a short period of drying between them on the changes in its sulphate levels during incubation revealed considerable immobilisation of sulphate in soils maintained either at 50% of water holding capacity or under waterlogged condition prior to drying. The extent of immobilisation was more pronounced when starch or inorganic sulphate sulphur were added. Drying resulted in release of available sulphate sulphur in the soil previously incubated at 50% of water holding capacity and the effect was more striking when starch was added. Whereas, drying caused a decrease in the amount in the soil kept under waterlogged condition. A short period of drying did release sulphate sulphur in available form.