Development of lime-based products to reduce P losses from agricultural field

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Kiln dust, as a by-product of lime industry, has limited use and is costly to dispose. Graymont has tried to exploit the reuse of this by-product but no efficient approach has been launched. This research will help create a lime-based product using kiln dust for the reduction of phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural soils in southern Quebec, In this research, the effectiveness of four lime-based products and by-products for reducing phosphorus losses due to drainage from cropland will be determined. Lime reduces phosphorus loss by enhancing calcium adsorprtion therefore stimulate the form of clay aggregates to which phosphorus is attached. Furthermore, lime increases the pH, reduces acidity and ultimately leads to an increased soil fertility and crop yield. Limited research has been carried out in this area and we aim to find the optimum conditions for its application. Currently, the increased eutrophication phenomenon in Quebec Lakes is majorly associated with P losses due to the application of manure to cultivated croplands and the annual average P concentration was reported two times higher than the Quebec water quality standard. Our research will offer an efficient approach to conquering this problem. This project is very environmentally beneficial to Canada. This research will be a cooperative project between McGill University and Graymont Company. Graymont is the second largest lime producing company in North America. Our finding will help Graymont company develop a modified lime product using the by-product, Kiln dust, that could be applied to croplands to reduce P loss and eutrophication. The research will be conducted at McGill Macdonald campus and in forms of two different experiment settings simulating surface runoff and subsurface water flow. Our research group consists of one professor and one masters graduate student. Dr. Zhiming Qi, as the project lead, specializes in irrigation and drainage engineering and soil and water quality management.