SULFUR STATUS OF SOME NIGERIAN SOILS FROM THE SAVANNA AND FOREST ZONES

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Abstract
Greenhouse and laboratory experiments with 30 surface soil samples (0-15 cm) from Nigeria were conducted to compare the S status of savanna and forest upland soils. The S status did not show any relationship with parent material or soil type. Cropping appears to decrease the total S status. Total and extractable S levels were observed in the following decreasing order: forest zone > derived savanna > Guinea savanna. The mean total S levels in the forest, derived savanna, and Guinea savanna were, respectively, 273, 183 and 69 ppm. Generally higher C:N:P:S ratios were observed in soils from Guinea savanna (122:10:1.2:1.0), as compared with those from derived savanna (130:10:1.7:2.6) and forest zone (133:10:1.9:2.8). S deficiency was observed to be most acute in soils from Guinea savanna, followed by those from derived savanna, and least acute in soils from the forest zone. Among the 6 S-extractants tested, KH2PO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, and heat-soluble methods gave the highest correlation with crop response and S uptake and appear to be most useful.

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