Assessment of Soil Sulphur Fractions under Different Cropping Pattern in Jashore District of Bangladesh

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the status and distribution of different forms of sulphur (S) under various cropping patterns in soils of Jashore District. Eight composite soil samples were collected from different cropping systems of Ghona and Chaolia villages under Kshimpur Union of Jessore Sadar Upazila. Available, adsorbed, organic, and total sulphur contents were analyzed using standard methods. Information on sulphur fractions under different cropping patterns in Bangladesh is still limited. Available sulphur ranged from 2.18 to 4.80 ppm, indicating deficiency in all soils. Adsorbed sulphur varied from 21.11 to 52.27 ppm, while organic sulphur was the dominant fraction, contributing 89.89–95.50% of total sulphur. Total sulphur ranged from 518.18 to 720.45 ppm. The distribution of sulphur fractions followed the order: Organic S > Adsorbed S > Available S. Available and total sulphur showed significant positive correlations with organic sulphur. The results suggest that low available sulphur may limit crop production despite high total sulphur reserves. Therefore, balanced sulphur fertilization and improved organic matter management are recommended for sustaining soil fertility and crop productivity.