212-2 Use of FGD-Gypsum In Forage Production Systems.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall C, Street Level

ABSTRACT WITHDRAWN

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD-gypsum), a byproduct from coal fired electricity generators, has the potential for beneficial use in agricultural systems as a soil amendment. Similar to mined gypsum it can improve soil chemical and physical properties and increase crop productivity. FGD-gypsum may also provide environmental benefits by helping to decrease the solubility of phosphorus and lower the adverse effects of P runoff on off-site water quality. We measured the effects of FGD-gypsum on runoff, P and heavy metal transport, and movement of fecal indicator organisms on a Cecil soil using rain fall simulation. The study was conducted on a Coastal Bermudagrass hay field at the J. Phil Campbell, Sr., Natural Resource Conservation Center near Watkinsville, GA. Runoff amounts tended to decrease with increasing rates of FGD-gypsum. Levels of P in runoff from plots treated with 6 tons / acre of poultry litter decreased with the addition of FGD-gypsum. Similar decreases were seen for potassium, copper, and arsenic. Most heavy metals were below the detection limits for our analysis methods. Limited rainfall during the first forge growing season limited forage production and there was no indication of effects of the FGD-gypsum treatments. Our results indicate that FGD-gypsum can help reduce P and other heavy metal losses on areas receiving poultry litter in the Southern Piedmont.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Gypsum Use: Impact On Agricultural Productivity and Soil/Water Quality