ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
aluminium toxicity
;
coal combustion by-product
;
Dactylis glomerata L.
;
evapotranspiration
;
pasture
;
water stress
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract In Appalachia, many soils are acidic, high in exchangeable aluminium, and low in calcium. Large amounts of high gypsum flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products are currently disposed of into landfills, although they have potential value as a soil amendment for the region. This study was conducted to determine if leaching an acid subsoil with a saturated solution of a FGD by-product can improve the subsoil as a rooting media for orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) which is widely used for pasture in the region. Orchardgrass was grown in soil from a pHc 3.8 (in 0.01 M CaCl2) Lily loam Bt horizon (fine loamy siliceous, mesic, Typic Hapludult) leached with two different rates of a saturated FGD by-product aqueous solution, as well as in soil that was limed, and an unamended soil. Water use by a clipped and partially enclosed vegetative canopy was measured in a growth chamber during two drying cycles. Small but consistent increases in water use were correlated with decreases in aluminium saturation of the soil. The effect was greatest during the second drying cycle. Increases in root biomass were also correlated with decreases in aluminium saturation. The effect of treatment on the pattern of water use altered after the first drying cycle when water uptake became most restricted in the unamended treatment. The manganese content of leaf tissue increased from 208 mg kg-1 to 570 mg kg-1 between the unaltered and highest leaching rate treatment. The highest level was still below the 2000 mg kg-1 that is considered toxic to grazing animals. These results suggest that the application of high gypsum FGD by-products to pastures in Appalachia has the potential to improve root growth and functioning in subsoil horizons, but some care may be needed to monitor forage quality.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00011593
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