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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #368649
Research Project: Enhancing Production and Ecosystem Services of Horticultural and Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Influence of FGD gypsum on the physical properties of soils

Author
item Watts, Dexter
item Torbert, Henry - Allen

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/4/2018
Publication Date: 11/5/2018
Citation: Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A. 2018. Influence of FGD gypsum on the physical properties of soils [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Meetings.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There has been interest in using flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum to improve soil productivity in recent years. To evaluate the influence that FGD gypsum may have on soil physical property improvements of southeastern US soils, a study was conducted at three different sites. Each site consisted of FGD gypsum being surface broadcast applied at increasing rates for 4 or 5 years. After year 4 or 5, soil compaction and saturated hydraulic conductivity was measured under field conditions. No consist treatment effect was observed for saturated hydraulic conductivity. However, positive improvements in soil compaction were observed at sites where the soils had high clay content. This study shows that FGD gypsum may potentially increase soil productivity of southeastern US soils by decreasing soil compaction.