Author
WALLACE, BELLE - PURDUE UNIVERSITY | |
Norton, Lloyd | |
WOODWARD, RALPH - MIDDLEFORK FARMS, IN |
Submitted to: International Soil Conservation Organization (ISCO)
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/1999 Publication Date: 1/1/2001 Citation: Wallace, B., Norton, L.D., Woodward, R. 2001. Erosion control by amending soil with synthetic gypsum. In: 10th International Soil Conservation Organization Conference Proceedings, May 24-29, 1999, West Lafayette, Indiana. 2001 CDROM. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Gypsiferous material is a byproduct of scrubbing stack gases for pollution control from coal combustion. It is formed to precipitate sulfur, improving air emissions. Through joint cooperation, a study is being conducted to explore the benefits of using gypsiferous materials as a soil amendment. In Sullivan County, IN, a local farmer broadcast applied synthetic gypsum in strips to several corn/soybean rotation fields. Research plots were set up in these no-till fields to study the byproducts effect. A rainfall simulator was used at a constant rainfall rate and runoff samples were collected. For this study, infiltration rates, soil loss, surface sealing and crop yields were analyzed to determine the effects of synthetic gypsum. The data indicates that infiltration rates increased, soil loss decreased, and some noticeable yield increases were found under the synthetic gypsum treatment when compared to control plots. Surface sealing plays a major role in the promotion of water intake, because synthetic gypsum increases electrolyte concentration on the surface of the soil, flocculation is increased during rainfall events. This prevents dispersion of clays on the surface, which clog the surface by forming a crust, thereby allowing water to infiltrate into the pores found in the surface. This promotion of water into the soil increases the infiltration rates and reduces soil loss. Using a differential global positioning system (dGPS) and yield monitor, precise yields were recorded spatially. The corn plots showed noticeably less yield variation and higher where synthetic gypsum was applied to the soils. This research benefits both the electric power industry and agriculture by finding practical uses for byproducts. |