Previous laboratory studies on sulfate content and adsorption in an eastern Tennessee forested Ultisol showed that, although considerable amounts of adsorbed, insoluble sulfate were present in B horizon samples, further accumulations into this form could not be induced with additional inputs. These results posed two questions addressed in this paper: (1) what proportion, if any, of current adsorbed, insoluble sulfate is the result of modern inputs; and (2) are these soils capable of further accumulation of adsorbed, insoluble sulfate under field conditions? Field studies, including sampling beneath and adjacent to an old house, a lysimeter investigation, and sulfate salt application, showed that sulfate has accumulated over the last 80 years, is now accumulating, and can continue to accumulate at higher input levels in this soil. The discrepancies between laboratory and field results pose problems for easy estimation of sulfate adsorption capacity, and further research on the reasons for them is necessary.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Johnson et al. (1981) studied this question.