EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GYPSUM APPLICATIONS ON WATER INFILTRATION RATES AND CROP YIELD
Applied Research
Wayne Flanary
Field Specialist in Agronomy
University of Missouri Extension
St. Joseph
Abstract
\r\n Gypsum is promoted to increase water infiltration and increase crop yields on poorly drained soils in northwest Missouri. A gypsum rate of a check, 300, 500 and 1,000 pounds of commercially sold gypsum was applied to a randomized complete block design experiment. Typical rates are 300 pounds of material per acre because of cost. Rates were increased to 1,000 pounds per acre to determine if a higher rate would provide the desired impact. Crop yields were measured along with water infiltration rates. The application of different rates of gypsum did not result in an increase of water infiltration compared to that of the check. Crop yields were measured for three years and gypsum did not significantly increase crop yields. The educational impact of this experiment resulted in growers discontinuing their use of the product. The research results were communicated to growers during the Graves-Chapple Farm field days with attendance in 2006 of 146. Data were published in the Graves-Chapple Farm annual reports of 2004 and 2005. Copies are distributed to 250 growers per year. Summary data were presented in Agricultural update meetings to growers in the 15-county Northwest Missouri Extension Region in 2007
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: W.F. Flanary, J.J.W Crawford, R.W. Chapple
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Flanary, W. Agronomy Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 64473
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Crawford, J. Farm Coordinator, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 64482
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Chapple, R. Retired Ag Engineer, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 64482