Influence of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum on Phosphorus Loss in Pine Bark Substrates

Paul C. Bartley (), Landon B. Erbrick, Michael J. Knotts, Dexter B. Watts and Henry A. Torbert
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Paul C. Bartley: Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Landon B. Erbrick: Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Michael J. Knotts: Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Dexter B. Watts: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
Henry A. Torbert: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn, AL 36832, USA

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired electrical utility plants, has been shown to effectively reduce phosphorus (P) leaching in many agricultural systems. However, its applications in horticultural production systems have been insufficiently researched resulting in limited industry adoption. To evaluate the efficacy of FGD gypsum to reduce P leaching in horticultural media, pine bark substrates were amended with FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% ( v / v ). In accordance with industry practice, controlled release fertilizer (19N-3P-10K) was amply incorporated into all potting media treatments to support primary nutrient sufficiency of transplanted stock. The greatest P leaching occurred in the control substrates containing only pine bark and fertilizer. The standard pine bark substrate treatment, containing lime and micronutrients, reduced total P leaching by 35% and should be considered a best management practice. The addition of FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% ( v / v ) reduced the total P collected in leachate by 47, 59, and 70%, respectively. Gypsum amendments increased potassium leachate concentrations but elevated potassium levels normalized after ~20 days. With little to no effect on substrate physical properties or pH, pine bark substrates can be amended with FGD gypsum to effectively reduce P leaching in short-term crops.

Keywords: nursery production; container production; floriculture; growing media; fertilizer; irrigation; amendments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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