75-9 The Potential for FGD Gypsum Use In Alabama.



Monday, October 17, 2011: 11:35 AM
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Room 214A, Concourse Level

Charles Mitchell1, Dexter Watts2 and Francisco A. Arriaga2, (1)Auburn University, Auburn University, AL
(2)Soil Dynamics Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Auburn, AL
The potential for land application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum on agricultural lands in the South has been promoted for several years.  Some on-farm research has shown consistent yield benefits from its use.  Recent experiments on hybrid bermudagrass hayfields and with cotton on  Coastal Plain and Black Belt Prairie soils have shown little or no agronomic benefit to rates up to 18 Mg/ha; no measureable negative agronomic or environmental effects were observed.  Some of the problems encountered in conducting an Extension educational program using FGD gypsum are (1) no consistent and dependable source of material, (2) high transportation and spreading costs for farmers, (3) lack of dramatic yield responses, and (4) environmental regulations and/or uncertainties regarding its safety.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Gypsum Use: Effects On Agricultural Productivity and Soil/Water Quality