75-8 Impact of FGD Gypsum On Bermudagrass In Coastal Plain Soil.



Monday, October 17, 2011: 11:20 AM
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Room 214A, Concourse Level

Dexter Watts, Soil Dynamics Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Auburn, AL and H. Allen Torbert, USDA-ARS, Auburn, AL
Use of FGD gypsum is thought to increase plant production. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on bermudagrass yield. The study was conducted on an established bermudagrass pasture. Poultry litter was applied as the nutrient source at a rate of 8.8 Mg ha-1. Commerical gypsum, FGD gypsum, FGD gypsum + fly ash were applied on top of the poultry litter at rates of 2, 10, and 20 Mg ha-1. Slight increases in yield were observed with the use of the gypsum sources. Addition of gypsum, whether it was commercial gypsum, FGD gypsum , FGD gypsum + fly ash impact plant yield the same suggesting that FGD-gypsum  and FGD-gypsum + fly ash could be alternatives for commercial gypsum. To understand the full potential benefits that FGD gypsum has on yield, more long-term evaluations are needed.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Gypsum Use: Effects On Agricultural Productivity and Soil/Water Quality