The effect of Neutralized Phosphogypsum on the Content of Stable Strontium in Slightly Saline Chernozem and Winter Wheat Grain in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia

Abstract

Introduction. The use of neutralized phosphogypsum as a chemical ameliorant is an effective method for enhancing agricultural productivity on solonetz soils in the central Ciscaucasia region. However, given that the ameliorant contains strontium in its composition, confirmation of its environmental safety is required.
Aim. To determine the residual effect of neutralized phosphogypsum application on the content of stable strontium in slightly solonetzic common chernozem and winter wheat grain under the conditions of the central Ciscaucasia.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2024 in a production-scale experiment located in the zone of unstable moisture availability in the Stavropol Krai of Russia, within the Andropovsky municipal district. The effect of different application rates of neutralized phosphogypsum (5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha) was investigated. The soil of the experimental site was slightly solonetzic common chernozem. Soil samples were collected from the plow layer (0-20 cm) and sub-plow layer (20-40 cm).
Results. The application of neutralized phosphogypsum rates did not result in a statistically significant increase in the stable strontium content in the soil. The average content over the three years of study across the experimental treatments varied within the range of 109-132 mg/kg. A significant increase in stable strontium was detected in winter wheat grain in treatments with the application of 10-20 t/ha of the ameliorant, ranging from 0.44 to 0.68 mg/kg. However, the resulting calcium-to-strontium ratio confirmed the safety of the produced grain.
Conclusions. The application of neutralized phosphogypsum at rates ranging from 5 to 20 t/ha on slightly solonetzic common chernozem does not lead to contamination of the soil or winter wheat grain with stable strontium.

To cite: Grechishkina Yu.I., Matvienko A.V. The effect of Neutralized Phosphogypsum on the Content of Stable Strontium in Slightly Saline Chernozem and Winter Wheat Grain in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):78-87. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-78-87