ARS | Publication request: The potential for FGD gypsum use in Alabama

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 17, 2011
Publication Date: October 17, 2011
Citation: Mitchell, C.C., Watts, D.B., Arriaga, F.J. 2011. The potential for FGD gypsum use in Alabama [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, October 16-19, 2012, San Antonio, Texas. CDROM.

Technical Abstract: The potential for land application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum on agricultural lands in the South has been promoted for several years. Some on-farm research has shown consistent yield benefits from its use. Recent experiments on hybrid bermudagrass hayfields and with cotton on Coastal Plain and Black Belt Prairie soils have shown little or no agronomic benefit to rates up to 18 Mg/ha; no measureable negative agronomic or environmental effects were observed. Some of the problems encountered in conducting an Extension educational program using FGD gypsum are (1) no consistent and dependable source of material, (2) high transportation and spreading costs for farmers, (3) lack of dramatic yield responses, and (4) environmental regulations and/or uncertainties regarding its safety.