Effect of Land Application of FGD Gypsum on Plant Yield and Crop Nutrient Concentration Plant Yield and Crop Nutrient Concentration

摘要

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) at coal burning plants produces a gypsum sourcethat may provide agricultural benefits when land applied. This study wasundertaken to quantify the effects of FGD gypsum applied to corn (Zea mays L.)and soybean (Glycine max L.). The FGD gypsum was hand applied at 22 sites atrates of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 tons/acre after planting to small plots. Additional plotswere treated with commercial gypsum fertilizer to provide 30 lb S/acre. Plantleaves were sampled at the R1 growth stage and analyzed for macronutrientconcentration. The concentrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg were largely unaffected bytreatment. Corn ear leaf S concentration increased with the highest applicationrates at five of the 16 corn sites. Soybean trifoliate S concentration increased withall rates of FGD gypsum at two of the six soybean sites. Effects seen in leafconcentration were likely related to lower early-season S availability common incool soils and may or may not affect crop yield. Corn yield was not affected byamendments at any of the sites tested. Soybean yield was increased by the 0.5ton/acrerate of FGD gypsum at one site. Overall, the application of FGD gypsumappears to have had neither a beneficial nor detrimental effect to crop productionin the year of application.