Sulfur Requirements for Decomposition of Cellulose and Glucose in Soil

Abstract The rates of glucose and cellulose decomposition in soils treated with adequate N and P were dependent on the S level More S was required for a maximum decomposition rate of cellulose than for glucose. A minimum of 1 part S to 300 parts C was required for maximum cellulose decomposition, whereas 1 part S to 600–900 parts C was sufficient for maximum decomposition of glucose. One factor for the higher S requirement for cellulose decomposition may be that more S is required in the production of extracellular enzymes essential for cellulose decomposition.