Bacterial Sulphate Reduction and the Development of Alkalinity. II. Laboratory Experiments with Soils

Summary In waterlogged soils sulphate reduction was characterized by increases in counts of sulphate reducers, an increase in titratable alkalinity, insoluble carbonate and soluble sulphides, and a decrease in soluble Ca ++ + Mg ++ . Presence of organic matter greatly enhanced sulphate reduction. A linear relationship between the amount of sulphate reduced and increases in titratable alkalinity and insoluble carbonate were apparent. The potential effects of sulphate reduction on soil fertility through the development of alkalinity are discussed.