What is the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Sulfur?

The main difference between organic and inorganic sulfur lies in the type of compounds to which the sulfur atoms are attached and their mobility in the soil.

• Organic Sulfur: This refers to the sulfur atoms present in organic compounds, which are highly immobile in the soil. Organic sulfur compounds are volatile and some of them are soluble in water, often associated with bad odors. Examples of organic sulfur compounds include thiophenes and sulfoxides.
• Inorganic Sulfur: This refers to the sulfur present in inorganic compounds, which are highly mobile in the soil. Inorganic sulfur is mainly found in the form of pyrite and sulfate in most coals. Elemental sulfur and sulfides are also considered inorganic forms of sulfur.

In summary:

• Organic sulfur is found in organic compounds and is highly immobile in the soil.
• Inorganic sulfur is found in inorganic compounds and is highly mobile in the soil.
• Organic sulfur compounds are often volatile and associated with odors.
• Inorganic sulfur is mainly found in the form of pyrite and sulfate in coals.

Comparative Table: Organic vs Inorganic Sulfur

The main difference between organic and inorganic sulfur lies in the compounds they are found in and their mobility in soil. Here is a comparison between organic and inorganic sulfur:

Organic sulfur is found in organic compounds such as sulfides, thiols, and disulfides, which have the structure R-S-R' and are the sulfur analogues of ethers. These compounds are less mobile in soil, making them less available for plants and microbial nutrition.

On the other hand, inorganic sulfur is found in inorganic compounds such as sulfate ions, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide, which are highly mobile in soil systems. Inorganic sulfur mainly occurs in the atmosphere in different gaseous forms.