Location: Soil Dynamics Research
Title: Nutrient competitive effects in chrysanthemum amended with flue gas desulfurization gypsumAuthor
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LINDQUIST, A - Auburn University |
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KENT, K - Auburn University |
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PICKENS, J - Auburn University |
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BARTLEY, P - Auburn University |
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Watts, Dexter |
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Torbert Iii, Henry |
Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/19/2024 Publication Date: 12/30/2024 Citation: Lindquist, A., Kent, K., Pickens, J., Bartley, P., Watts, D.B., Torbert III, H.A. 2024. Nutrient competitive effects in chrysanthemum amended with flue gas desulfurization gypsum. HortScience. 60(1):146-151. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17998-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17998-24 Interpretive Summary: The use of gypsum in agriculture has a longstanding history, yet there remains a critical need for research to understand better its impact on plant development and nutrient plant availability. This study evaluated the impact of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) amendments on the physical and chemical properties of pine bark substrates and the growth and nutrient uptake of chrysanthemum. The pine bark was amended with controlled-release fertilizer, micronutrient fertilizer, and varying FGDG rates (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% v:v) alongside dolomitic limestone. FGDG amendments did not significantly affect plant dry weight at bud initiation, though plants without FGDG had higher canopy volumes. By peak bloom, plants without FGDG exhibited higher dry weights, but no difference in growth indices was observed. While the 0% gypsum plants recorded a larger size at bud initiation, there were no differences by full bloom. Overall, while FGDG amendments led to reduced uptake of some nutrients and minor delays in bloom, all treatments produced marketable chrysanthemums, indicating that FGDG can be integrated into production practices without compromising plant quality. Technical Abstract: The use of gypsum in agriculture has a longstanding history, yet there remains a critical need for research to understand better its impact on plant development and nutrient plant availability. This study evaluated the impact of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) amendments on the physical and chemical properties of pine bark substrates and the growth and nutrient uptake of chrysanthemum 'Wanda Red'. The pine bark was amended with controlled-release fertilizer, micronutrient fertilizer, and varying FGDG rates (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% v:v) alongside dolomitic limestone. Plant growth metrics, including dry weight, canopy volume, and foliar nutrient concentrations, were recorded at bud initiation and peak bloom. FGDG amendments did not significantly affect plant dry weight at bud initiation, though plants without FGDG had higher canopy volumes. By peak bloom, plants without FGDG exhibited higher dry weights, but no difference in growth indices was observed. While the 0% gypsum plants recorded a larger size at bud initiation, there were no differences by full bloom. Foliar nutrient analyses revealed that FGDG amendments influenced nutrient uptake, with notable reductions in nitrogen and potassium at bud initiation but no significant differences at peak bloom. Conversely, phosphorus and calcium concentrations increased with FGDG amendments, suggesting improved retention and availability. Overall, while FGDG amendments led to reduced uptake of some nutrients and minor delays in bloom, all treatments produced marketable chrysanthemums, indicating that FGDG can be integrated into production practices without compromising plant quality. Further studies are recommended to explore lower gypsum rates and their interactions with nutrient retention and crop demand. |