Abstract
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum was recently approved for use in Kansas as a sulfur (S) fertilizer and as a soil amendment. Gypsum has been known as an effective product used in remediation of sodic soils, as the calcium (Ca) can exchange with sodium (Na) on the cations on clay particles. Marketing efforts have promoted the use of FGD gypsum on non-sodic soils as a means of improving soil health. Two 3-year study sites were established in Kansas in 2013, and no yield effects were observed for any of the site years. Treatment differences for grain quality and soil chemical properties had consistently greater sulfate-sulfur (SO4-S) with increasing FGD application rates. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) had instances where it was greater with increasing gypsum rates. There were no treatment differences for the selected soil physical and biological parameters. During this project, FGD gypsum did not cause changes in soil health at the two sites.
Highlights
Coal-burning power plants produce Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in the process of removing S from air emissions, and is approved for land-application as a beneficial soil amendment in Kansas and many other states
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum was recently approved for use in Kansas as a sulfur (S) fertilizer and as a soil amendment
Gypsum has been known as an effective product used in remediation of sodic soils, as the calcium (Ca) can exchange with sodium (Na) on the cations on clay particles
Summary
Coal-burning power plants produce FGD gypsum in the process of removing S from air emissions, and is approved for land-application as a beneficial soil amendment in Kansas and many other states. Its beneficial uses include as an S fertilizer source, as one ton of gypsum contains 372 pounds of S. Other uses include the ability to flocculate clays in a sodic soil, which can lead to improved physical properties. What is not known is the potential for FGD gypsum to improve soil health in average or normal cropland soils. Previous work by Norton and Dontsova (1998) concluded that gypsum could flocculate clay particles in soils with relatively high exchangeable magnesium (Mg). The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential benefits of FGD gypsum on two average fields, with respect to crop yield, grain quality, and soil health
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