Impact of FGD Gypsum On Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Uptake.

Use of FGD gypsum is thought to improve soil productivity and increase plant production. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on yield, plant nutrient uptake and soil productivity. 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. Commercial 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, plant nutrient uptake, and changes to soil chemical properties were observed with the use of the gypsum sources. An in-depth discussion of FGD gypsum’s impact compared to commercial gypsum and fly ash + gypsum on plant nutrient uptake and changes to soil chemical properties will be discussed.