Use of FGD Gypsum to Reduce P Loss from Agricultural Fields.

Controlling P loss from agricultural fields has become a major issue in recent years, especially in areas where manure is used as nutrient sources.  It is believed that FGD gypsum can be used as a management practice to reduce soluble P loss. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine FGD gypsum’s impact on reducing soluble P loss from an agricultural soil. A series of studies was conducted to evaluate soluble P concentrations in soil and the potential for P loss to surface water runoff following poultry litter application to a bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) hayfield.  Soluble P concentrations in soil were drastically reduced following FGD gypsum application. Similarly, FGD gypsum amendments were effective at reducing soluble P loss to surface water runoff. Results from this study show that FGD gypsum can be used as a management practice to reduce P loss following poultry litter application to agricultural fields.