more questions
So, the following enhances sulphate leaching:
- Abundance of water in the soil due to high precipitation and moderate water retention to dissolve the ions into soil solution within the macro pore spaces . But also having moderate to good drainage so the dissolved ions in solution can permeate through macro pores and exit the soil profile.
- Coarse textured soils that have macro pores will allow the soil water to percolate down the profile. In addition poor aggregation from lack of biotic activity or high sodium levels will contribute to a granular structure that favours macro pores.
- High abundance of sulphate ions in soil profile to begin with. Added by decomposition of organic matter, acid rain from atmospheric sulphur or the chemical weathering of minerals.
- High pH levels will increase sulphate leaching as there is less adsorption by colloids.