The deposition of sulphur in dust in northern Nigeria

Abstract

SummaryThe deposition of dust and the sulphur it contained were measured at 10 sites for three dry seasons in northern Nigeria. Amounts of dust deposited varied between seasons and sites depending on the concentration of dust in the air and the duration of dust storms. Deposits ranged from 226 to 52 kg/ha (mean value 146) measured in a south-westerly direction across the area studied; the S deposition ranged from 0·099 to 0·429 kg/ha (mean value 0·226). The most south-westerly sites received plant ash from clearing fires which increased the S deposited, but not the net gain of S to the whole area. The agricultural significance of the results is briefly discussed and other sources of atmospheric-S are considered.