Ammonia-based flue gas desulphurization waste solution as a nitrogen fertilizer

A flue gas desulphurization product based on the absorption of sulphur dioxide by an ammoniacal solution (Am-FGD) was evaluated as a nitrogenous fertilizer. Evaluation was by field trial using barley and rye-grass as test crops. The Am-FGD solution was added to the soil either one week before sowing the barley, at sowing, or one week after. In the grass experiment, the Am-FGD solution was added to the soil surface or sprayed on the plants shortly after the first and after the second cut.The results indicate that nitrogen in the Am-FGD solution had the same fertilizer value as nitrogen in calcium-ammonium-nitrate (CAN). The toxic effect of sulphite is avoided or reduced to insignificant levels when direct contact of the Am-FGD solution with the plants is avoided. When added in combination with CAN there might even be a slight positive effect. The plant content of inorganic elements was unchanged by the experimental treatments.