The Potential for FGD Gypsum Use In Alabama.

The potential for land application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum on agricultural lands in the South has been promoted for several years.  Some on-farm research has shown consistent yield benefits from its use.  Recent experiments on hybrid bermudagrass hayfields and with cotton on  Coastal Plain and Black Belt Prairie soils have shown little or no agronomic benefit to rates up to 18 Mg/ha; no measureable negative agronomic or environmental effects were observed.  Some of the problems encountered in conducting an Extension educational program using FGD gypsum are (1) no consistent and dependable source of material, (2) high transportation and spreading costs for farmers, (3) lack of dramatic yield responses, and (4) environmental regulations and/or uncertainties regarding its safety.