Gypsum and Carbon Amendments Influence on Soil Properties, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Ryegrass

A Graduate Defense Seminar will be presented by Maninder Kaur Walia, PhD Candidate on Tuesday (6/23) at 9:00 a.m. in 245 Kottman Hall with a link to 117A Williams Hall. Maninder will present Gypsum and Carbon Amendments Influence on Soil Properties, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Ryegrass.

Gypsum is a source of calcium and sulfur that improves the physical and chemical properties of the soil. With the benefits associated with gypsum use and the increased availability of synthetic gypsum, its application to soil in the Ohio and the Midwest is increasing. The overall goal of the research was to evaluate the effect of plant residues, glucose and gypsum on the growth and nutrient uptake of ryegrass, chemical properties (including total and inorganic C stock) and physical properties of two soils in Ohio (Wooster silt loam and Hoytville clay loam). Emissions were significantly less from silt loam soil as compared to clay loam soil. Addition of gypsum resulted in significant increase in Ca, Mg, S, and Na concentrations in leaches as compared to control for both soils and decreases P and Fe concentrations in Hoytville soil. Addition of glucose and reside increased total carbon significantly, however, gypsum did not affect total carbon concentration in soil significantly. Addition of glucose and residue reduced bulk density and increased porosity. No significant effects were observed on bulk density with gypsum addition. This dissertation revealed that addition of gypsum to soil improved the soil properties, nutrients availability and their uptake by ryegrass, thus its quality and also lead to improved water quality.