Significance of Biological Sulfate Reduction in Soil Salinity

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Abstract
The effect of native and applied organic matter (straw) on sulfate reduction under anaerobic conditions in arid‐zone soils was studied in the laboratory. Changes in the composition of dissolved and adsorbed ions as a consequence of SO4 reduction was also studied. The results indicate that SO4‐reducing microorganisms are generally present in arid‐zone soils. Appreciable reduction of any SO4 present does not occur when arid‐zone soils become anaerobic by waterlogging, however, unless undecomposed organic matter (plant residue) is present or the soil organic matter content is high (e.g., > 5%). Sulfate reduction results in the formation of equivalent amounts of carbonates which, upon reaction with soluble or exchangeable Ca and precipitation as CaCO3, cause decreases in soil salinity and increases in the exchangeable sodium percentage.

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