Sulfate reduction in poorly-drained soils as influenced by organic matter and soil texture
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Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Published on: October 15, 2015
Abstract:
Investigations of the influence of added organic matter content (rice straw or clover) on the reduction of added sulfate (8 meq/100 g soil) following submergence and incubation of 120 days gave these results: 1. In soils with native organic matter (humus) the rate of sulfate reduction was very low; it slightly increased with increased clay content of the soils. 2. The addition of undecomposed organic matter led to a complete reduction of the added sulfates within 120 days. 3. The varying C/N ratio of the added organic matter appeared to have no influence on the sulfate reduction. 4. As a qualitative indication of the reduction the soil darkened after three weeks of incubation, and an odour of H2S was detected.
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