Influence of FGD Gypsum on the Properties of a Highly Erodible Soil under Conservation Tillage

Abstract

Surface application of agricultural lime and fertilizers in no-till (NT) systems can be inadequate because of the excess time required for slowly soluble lime to improve soil aggregation such that water and nutrients move more rapidly into and down the soil profile. This study used fluidized gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum as an alternative to lime because of its greater solubility and calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) contents. Gypsum was applied to NT cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plots at rates of 0, 2.24, 4.48, and 6.72 Mg ha−1 for 3 years. After 1 year, Ca, S, and soil aggregation increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) while exchangeable aluminum (Al) activities were reduced. These results indicate that FGD gypsum can increase NT cotton yields by increasing infiltration and soil water contents, reducing runoff, ameliorating exchangeable Al problems, and by providing a readily available source of S, a limiting nutrient in many cotton soils.