Reuse of flue gas desulfurization gypsum as a litter amendment in broiler house to reduce environmental phosphorus mobility

Authors: PRASAD, RISHI - Auburn University; CHAKRABORTYA, D - Auburn University; Watts, Dexter; Torbert, Henry - Allen

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Synthetic gypsum, such as flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil quality, water infiltration, porosity, and particle aggregation. Since gypsum has the ability to absorb moisture and reduce soluble P concentrations, one potential reuse of this material is as bedding in poultry houses. The implementation of this practice can be instrumental in reducing the impacts of poultry waste on water pollution. Limited research exists that addresses the use of FGD gypsum as an amendment in the bedding materials in broiler houses and, consequently, its effectiveness in reducing the soluble P. There is also a need to understand the release of other nutrients, primarily potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) that can potentially affect the water quality. Hence the objectives of this research were to a) understand the solubility of P in FGD gypsum treated versus untreated PL; and b) understand the release of K, Ca, Mg, S, B, and Zn from FGD gypsum treated versus untreated PL during runoff events. the findings of this study indicate the reuse of FGD gypsum as a litter amendment in the broiler house as an effective management strategy to reduce environmental P mobility. The findings of this study indicate that FGD gypsum as a litter amendment in the broiler house would be an effective management strategy to reduce environmental P mobility.