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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319288

Title: Impact of FGD gypsum soil amendment applications on soil and environmental quality

Author
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item Watts, Dexter

Submitted to: International Soil Tillage Research Organization Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2015
Publication Date: 9/14/2015
Citation: Torbert III, H.A., Watts, D.B. 2015. Impact of FGD gypsum soil amendment applications on soil and environmental quality [abstract]. International Soil Tillage Research Organization Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This paper will discuss the utilization of FGD gypsum in agriculture for improving soil quality and other environmental benefits. Gypsum (CaSO4 .2H2O) has been used as an agricultural soil amendment for over 250 years. It is a soluble source of calcium and sulfur- for crops and has been shown to improve soil physical and chemical properties. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is a manufactured gypsum by-product of the coal-fired combustion process. As a result, the availability of gypsum as an agriculture amendment has greatly increased over the last few years. Several studies have shown that gypsum can be used to reduce environmental degradation from agriculture. The environmental benefits to be discussed include reduced erosion losses and reduced soluble P and As in runoff from agricultural fields, especially fields which receive poultry litter. For example, a rainfall simulation study on a Coastal Plains soil has shown a 51% reduction in total dissolved P load. New developments in the utilization of gypsum in the USA will also be discussed.