Source: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE submitted to NRP
USE OF FGD GYPSUM TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY AND STABILITY OF HIGHLY ERODIBLE LOESS SOILS
Sponsoring Institution
Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0417942
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2008
Project End Date
Apr 1, 2012
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
PO BOX 1157
OXFORD,MS 38655
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
50%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1120110106070%
1330320107030%
Goals / Objectives
We propose to evaluate FGD gypsum influence on surface soil properties that determine soil resistance to erosion losses. The research will help establish proper rates of FGD gypsum to reduce runoff and erosion losses, and improve soil productivity under different tillage systems. We will also provide documentation of water quality improvement associated with FGD gypsum needed to help qualify practices for use as a BMP and water quality credits.
Project Methods
Watkinsville and Auburn - FGD gypsum and poultry litter will be applied at four rates (0, 2, 4, 6 Mg ha-1) to bermudagrass pasture to evaluate changes in available soil P over three years. Use of similar treatments at Auburn and Watkinsville is to evaluate differences in treatment effects associated with differences in soil and climate at the two locations. FGD gypsum and poultry litter would be applied annually and measurements of soil P fractions (Total P, water soluble P, Mehlich P, and organic P) would be made at 6 month intervals. Soil aggregate stability would be mesured yearly to evaluate impacts of FGD gypsum on soil structural stability. In addition we would evaluate FGD gypsum and poultry litter effects on forage production and quality along with the potential for nutrient removal by grazing and haying which is important for management of high P soils. Forage would be harvested at regular intervals to simulate haying and evaluated for P content (P removal) and forage quality. Results would establish potential for using FGD gypsum as an amendment to increase poultry litter application rates and improve water use efficiency on poasture and hay land. Oxford - Two studies will be conducted at the Northeast Mississippi Experiment Station at Verona. In one study, we will evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on an existing set of no-till cotton plots. FGD gypsum application rates of 0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 tons/acre would be applied on a replicated plot experiment. The other study will evaluate the effects of tillage-gypsum interactions on soybean yields. The three tillage treatments and no-till, fall chisel-harrow, and conventional. Plot sizes, gypsum application rates, and replications are identical to those for no-till cotton. Crop yields will be measured by the experiment station personnel responsible for all agronomic practices. Following harvest each growing season, soil cores will be collected to a depth of 36 inches from each plot and characterized for water dispersible clay as a measure of erodibility, particle size distribution, organic carbon content, pH, exchangeable Al, exchangeable bases, total calcium, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Progress 04/01/08 to 04/01/12

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): We propose to evaluate FGD gypsum influence on surface soil properties that determine soil resistance to erosion losses. The research will help establish proper rates of FGD gypsum to reduce runoff and erosion losses, and improve soil productivity under different tillage systems. We will also provide documentation of water quality improvement associated with FGD gypsum needed to help qualify practices for use as a BMP and water quality credits. Approach (from AD-416): Watkinsville and Auburn - FGD gypsum and poultry litter will be applied at four rates (0, 2, 4, 6 Mg ha-1) to bermudagrass pasture to evaluate changes in available soil P over three years. Use of similar treatments at Auburn and Watkinsville is to evaluate differences in treatment effects associated with differences in soil and climate at the two locations. FGD gypsum and poultry litter would be applied annually and measurements of soil P fractions (Total P, water soluble P, Mehlich P, and organic P) would be made at 6 month intervals. Soil aggregate stability would be mesured yearly to evaluate impacts of FGD gypsum on soil structural stability. In addition we would evaluate FGD gypsum and poultry litter effects on forage production and quality along with the potential for nutrient removal by grazing and haying which is important for management of high P soils. Forage would be harvested at regular intervals to simulate haying and evaluated for P content (P removal) and forage quality. Results would establish potential for using FGD gypsum as an amendment to increase poultry litter application rates and improve water use efficiency on poasture and hay land. Oxford - Two studies will be conducted at the Northeast Mississippi Experiment Station at Verona. In one study, we will evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on an existing set of no-till cotton plots. FGD gypsum application rates of 0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 tons/acre would be applied on a replicated plot experiment. The other study will evaluate the effects of tillage-gypsum interactions on soybean yields. The three tillage treatments and no-till, fall chisel-harrow, and conventional. Plot sizes, gypsum application rates, and replications are identical to those for no- till cotton. Crop yields will be measured by the experiment station personnel responsible for all agronomic practices. Following harvest each growing season, soil cores will be collected to a depth of 36 inches from each plot and characterized for water dispersible clay as a measure of erodibility, particle size distribution, organic carbon content, pH, exchangeable Al, exchangeable bases, total calcium, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A cotton experiment was begun in 2009 comparing no-tillage and tilled cotton with five gypsum rates, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 tons per acre. The experiment is a randomized complete block design with four replications. Initial soil data to a depth of 4 feet in 6 inch increments was taken on each plot prior to gypsum application. Additional soil samples were collected in fall 2011 after three crop years. These samples are being processed and analyzed for various chemical constituents. Chemical measurements have included soil pH; citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite (CBD) extractable iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn); oxalate extractable Fe, Al, and Mn; cation and anion exchange capacity (CEC and AEC); and exchangeable cations and anions. Plot yields were measured each year. Soil penetrometer resistance was measured in spring 2012. Monitoring activities included telephone calls and email messages.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications


    Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

    Outputs
    Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) We propose to evaluate FGD gypsum influence on surface soil properties that determine soil resistance to erosion losses. The research will help establish proper rates of FGD gypsum to reduce runoff and erosion losses, and improve soil productivity under different tillage systems. We will also provide documentation of water quality improvement associated with FGD gypsum needed to help qualify practices for use as a BMP and water quality credits. Approach (from AD-416) Watkinsville and Auburn - FGD gypsum and poultry litter will be applied at four rates (0, 2, 4, 6 Mg ha-1) to bermudagrass pasture to evaluate changes in available soil P over three years. Use of similar treatments at Auburn and Watkinsville is to evaluate differences in treatment effects associated with differences in soil and climate at the two locations. FGD gypsum and poultry litter would be applied annually and measurements of soil P fractions (Total P, water soluble P, Mehlich P, and organic P) would be made at 6 month intervals. Soil aggregate stability would be mesured yearly to evaluate impacts of FGD gypsum on soil structural stability. In addition we would evaluate FGD gypsum and poultry litter effects on forage production and quality along with the potential for nutrient removal by grazing and haying which is important for management of high P soils. Forage would be harvested at regular intervals to simulate haying and evaluated for P content (P removal) and forage quality. Results would establish potential for using FGD gypsum as an amendment to increase poultry litter application rates and improve water use efficiency on poasture and hay land. Oxford - Two studies will be conducted at the Northeast Mississippi Experiment Station at Verona. In one study, we will evaluate the effects of FGD gypsum on an existing set of no-till cotton plots. FGD gypsum application rates of 0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 tons/acre would be applied on a replicated plot experiment. The other study will evaluate the effects of tillage-gypsum interactions on soybean yields. The three tillage treatments and no-till, fall chisel-harrow, and conventional. Plot sizes, gypsum application rates, and replications are identical to those for no- till cotton. Crop yields will be measured by the experiment station personnel responsible for all agronomic practices. Following harvest each growing season, soil cores will be collected to a depth of 36 inches from each plot and characterized for water dispersible clay as a measure of erodibility, particle size distribution, organic carbon content, pH, exchangeable Al, exchangeable bases, total calcium, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Progress reported on 6408-13660-006-15S and 6408-13660-006-17S. See these projects for the report. Monitoring activities included telephone calls and email messages.

    Impacts
    (N/A)

    Publications