Project Number: 6420-12000-009-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2008
End Date: Dec 01, 2009

Objective:
1. To evaluate the impact soil amendments have on dry matter production and nutrient recovery in a bermudagrass pasture. 2. To evaluate the impact soil amendments have on soil chemical properties, specifically pH, SO4, exchangeable Ca, Al, Mg, trace metals, and electrical conductivity. 3. To evaluate the impact soil amendments have on available P in the soil.

Approach:
Transport of P from land application of manure poses a major treat to accelerated eutrophication in surface water. Thus, evaluation of best management practices to minimize the environment the impact of P loss from animal waste is needed. The use of soil amendments such as FGD-gypsum seems to be a low-cost viable option. FGD-gypsum is a byproduct of the gas desulfurization systems used to reduce air pollution in coal burning power plants. The supply of FGD-gypsum is projected to increase in coming years as air quality standards continue to increase. Agricultural producers and stakeholder could benefit from the waste byproduct. Thus, research is needed to assess the environmental and plant productivity effects of FGD gypsum application to soils. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental and plant productivity effects of FGD gypsum application to soils.