Topographic distribution of the soil total carbon content and sulfur deficiency for rice cultivation in a floodplain ecosystem of the Northern region of Ghana

► Total carbon (TC) contents greatly differ within under-utilized Volta floodplain soils. ► Spatial TC patterns are related to the duration of waterlogging in the rainy season. ► The N-supplying capacity of the soil increases with proximity to reservoirs. ► S addition is needed for efficiently utilizing indigenous N supply for rice growth.