Electric generation stations fuelled by coal and hydrocarbons in the United States of America are subject to the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), which builds on the existing Clean Air Act (CAA).  Conversely the Canadian equivalent is the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA), both of which are legislation that monitors and controls the release of of acid gases (principally sulfur dioxide) into the atmosphere.  As a result of these legislative controls the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubbers has become mandatory for new coal combustion generation stations in the USA.  The utilization of various types of FGD scrubbers produces Ca(SO₄)·2(H₂O), otherwise known as synthetic gypsum.

It is well known in the gypsum industry that mining production of gypsum is subject to transport costs for utilization in the building sector.  The distribution of gypsum mining sources in North America is uneven, with some board production plants importing gypsum across international borders to feed the supply line.  With the widespread utilization of FGD scrubbers in the coal combustion products (CCP) sector, and the associated by-product synthetic desulfurization gypsum (DSG), the localized supply issue has been alleviated and reverse to create a DSG disposal market.

The increase in gypsum supply has fostered alternative utilization of gypsum, allowing other consumers to join the primary (wallboard and building products).  One such example is Agricultural use of gypsum, which has historic applications as early as mid 1800 AD.  The furtherment of agricultural application of gypsum is reliant on the composition, impact on local landscape and market factors. 

This report explores the current state of DSG production, utilization, implementation in agriculture, prevalent concerns/issues, and what the optimal scenario would be.  Accompanying this work is a short presentation which will facilitate effective communication of the current DSG uses and state of knowledge among agricultural and gypsum researchers.  This 29-page report will fully equip the reader with an understanding of current industry knowledge of agricultural DSG use, and will enable the reader to manage DSG application opportunities.