Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #347957
Research Project: Enhancing Production and Ecosystem Services of Horticultural and Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Impact of FGD gypsum application on trace elements

Author
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item Chaney, Rufus
item Watts, Dexter

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/16/2017
Publication Date: 2/4/2018
Citation: Torbert III, H.A., Chaney, R.L., Watts, D.B. 2018. Impact of FGD gypsum application on trace elements [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Branch Meeting. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There are concerns regarding the fate of nutrients from surface application of animal waste. One approach to reduce losses of P is to treat manure with the industrial byproducts flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG). However, concerns regarding heavy metal contributions to the environment have arisen from its use. A study examined the impact of FGDG application on soil, plant, and runoff when applied alone or with poultry litter (PL) to soil. Plant, soil, and runoff samples were analyzed for heavy metals and results indicated that FGDG application would not result in increased heavy metal concentrations. In addition, the application of FGD gypsum significantly reduced P, As, and Fe concentrations in runoff indicating that FGD gypsum can reduce the negative impact of manure surface application on surface water degradation.