Research perspectives on the use of Phosphogypsum in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

The theoretical aspects, benefits, research contributions, technical recommendations, side effects, limitations, environmental concerns as well as the legislation on the application of phosphogypsum to Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) soils are discussed in this review. It is shown why it is important to apply phosphogypsum to Cerrado soils, and its effect on plant resilience to drought periods. The application of this product may become a main practice in Cerrado soils – a region in which crops as well as pastures are grown – as temperatures rise, and dry periods turn extended, due to climate change. Sulfate, as a component of phosphogypsum, does not leach to groundwater such as in temperate climate soils, turning the use of phosphogypsum environmentally friendly. The phosphogypsum produced in Brazil is a clean by-product of phosphate industry, whose rock source plays an important role providing low trace element and radionuclide contents. It is noteworthy that the Brazilian experience based on phosphogypsum application may work in many tropical soils around the globe, and many populations may be benefited from this technical knowledge.