Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #299705

Title: Impact of FGD gypsum on soil fertility and plant nutrient uptake

Author
item Watts, Dexter
item Torbert, Henry - Allen

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/21/2012
Publication Date: 10/21/2012
Citation: Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A. 2012. Impact of FGD gypsum on soil fertility and plant nutrient uptake. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Use of FGD gypsum is thought to improve soil productivity and increase plant production. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on yield, plant nutrient uptake and soil productivity. The study was conducted on an established bermudagrass pasture. Poultry litter was applied as the nutrient source at a rate of 8.8 Mg ha-1. Commercial gypsum, FGD gypsum, FGD gypsum + fly ash were applied on top of the poultry litter at rates of 2, 10, and 20 Mg ha-1. Slight increases in yield, plant nutrient uptake, and changes to soil chemical properties were observed with the use of the gypsum sources. An in-depth discussion of FGD gypsum’s impact compared to commercial gypsum and fly ash + gypsum on plant nutrient uptake and changes to soil chemical properties will be discussed.