Clay soils can be hard and "heavy." By definition heavy soil forms heavy clumps and holds water rather than allowing it to flow through. The soil provides little nutrients necessary for plant growth. By adding gypsum as a soil supplement, the structure of a heavy clay soil can be changed and fertility improved. Gypsum also lowers soil saline content replacing the salts with calcium.
Instructions
1. Perform a soil test to determine the amount of gypsum necessary to augment the soil. Gypsum is chemically known as hydrated calcium sulphate and, along with its use as a soil amendment, is used in the manufacture of cement and plaster.
2. Determine the proper application method. For large farm fields the gypsum is usually spread with a dry fertilizer spreader and the gypsum worked into the soil with tractor-drawn plows. Adding gypsum to a small garden requires more manual efforts. An initial application of gypsum for a garden with a clay soil is about 25 lbs. per 100 square feet. Spreading the gypsum on the top of the ground is only half of the task. The soil and gypsum will need to be mixed. Use a roto tiller or garden fork to turn the soil.
3. Make annual additions of gypsum. According to Washington State University, the effect of gypsum on the soil is short lived, often less than a year. The common rate for subsequent applications is about 50 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. The mixture will again need to be mixed with a tiller or garden fork. Compost or other organic materials can be added to the soil at the same time as the gypsum. This makes the most of the gardener's efforts at working the soil.
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