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ABSTRACT
High soil pH and excessive calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the Everglades Agricultural Area of south Florida reduce the availability of phosphorus and micronutrients to crops. Sulfur (S) amendment is recommended to reduce soil pH and enhance nutrient supply. The study’s objective was to determine the sulfur amendment effectiveness on soil pH and nutrient availability in organic soil as CaCO3 content increases in soil. An experiment of four S rates (0, 90,224, and 448 kg ha−1) and three added CaCO3 (0%, 12.5%, and 50% by volume) in organic soil was established. Sulfur application had limited effects on soil pH reduction as CaCO3 level increased and therefore failed to enhance nutrient availability; however, it increased sulfate concentration in soils, which could be at risk for export from the field. Unexpected increases in manganese concentration with added CaCO3 was associated with reducing conditions due to increased soil bulk density, which changed the soil physical properties.
Funding
We are thankful to Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District for funding.