Status and Distribution of Sulfur in Acidic Alfisols of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Different forms of sulphur (S) in both surface and profile soil samples under cereal, vegetable, and oilseed cropping systems were determined to assess their sulfur status. Results emanating from this study revealed that available, water-soluble, heat-soluble, organic, and total sulfur contents were greatest in cereal followed by vegetable- and oilseed-based cropping systems. Sulfur fractions decreased with increasing soil depth. High magnitude of sulfur deficiency observed in oilseed followed by cereal and vegetable cropping systems showed that oilseeds are sulfur-exhaustive crops leading to sulfur mining and there is urgent need to include this element in fertility-management programs. Correlation studies revealed the equilibrium among the fractions in both profile and surface soil samples.