Abstract
Global plant sulphur (S) deficiency is increasing because of a reduction in sulphate-based fertiliser application combined with continuous S withdrawal during harvest. Here, we applied (13)C, (15)N, (14)C, and (35)S quad labelling of the S-containing amino acids cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met) to understand S cycling and microbial S transformations in the soil. The soil microorganisms absorbed the applied Cys and Met within minutes and released SO(4)(2-) within hours. The SO(4)(2-) was reutilised by the MB within days. The initial microbial utilisation and SO(4)(2-) release were determined by amino acid structure. Met released 2.5-fold less SO(4)(2-) than Cys. The microbial biomass retained comparatively more C and S from Met than Cys. The microorganisms decomposed Cys to pyruvate and H(2)S whereas they converted Met to α-ketobutyrate and S-CH(3). The microbial stoichiometries of C, N, and S derived from Cys and Met were balanced after 4 d by Cys-derived SO(4)(2-) uptake and Met-derived CO(2) release. The microbial C:N:S ratio dynamics showed rapid C utilisation and loss, stable N levels, and S accumulation. Thus, short-term organic S utilisation by soil microorganisms is determined by amino acid structure whilst long-term organic S utilisation by soil microorganisms is determined by microbially controlled stoichiometry.