[USCC] Sulfur

[ConSulInc@aol.com]

Dear Rufus et al:
 
Some additional data as regard to sulfur oxidation:
 
As Rufus states, it is a biological process affected by the size of the  
sulfur particle (microns is best), time and temperature.  
Bacillus thiooxidans, an aerobic organism, is responsible for consuming  
sulfur and excreting sulfuric acid.  BT is present in many locations and  soils, 
but there are areas in the world where soils must be inoculated -- some  
materials being composted are likely to require inoculant.
BT is  active in a temperature range from 50F to 200F or  so 
 
The impact of sulfuric acid on composting activity is likely to be  negative.
 
Applying finely ground sulfur (dust) can be hazardous due to static  
electricity and the possibility of explosions. masks and eye protection are a  must. 
spraying a solution of the material  as possible, but getting  sulfur dust 
fully dispersed in a water solution is difficult and time consuming  -- think of 
putting cocoa powder into a bowl and trying to mix it.
 
Finally, any sulfur which remains attached to exposed carbon steel will  
corrode either through sulfuric acid or through an electrolytic reaction in  the 
presence of moisture  Eventually, the latter can convert iron to  iron sulfite, 
a material which will auto-ignite when exposed to air  (pyrophoric).
 
Having been associated with commercial ag, sulfur fertilizer compounds,  
fertilizer sales and the sulfur  itself, I recommend a separate amendment  
specifically targeted to the plant and existing soil conditions rather that  adding 
sulfur to material being composted. 
 
Jerry d'Aquin
President
Con-Sul, Inc



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