Gypsum Vs. Lime for Soil
Gypsum and lime are soil amendments--that is, they can help change soils that have problems such as a low pH or high sodium. Amendments are also called conditioners.
Chemical Comparison
Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate. Limestone is the parent material of all lime products, including agricultural lime. Composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO?), other minerals like magnesium can occur with limestone.
Sodic Soils
Sodic soils have high pH and sodium, plus low levels of total salt. To correct it, you dissolve lime already existing in soil with sulfuric acid. To employ gypsum, you add and mix it to soil, then dissolve it with water.
Solubility
Gypsum is easier to dissolve in water than lime, allowing the calcium to be more easily released into the soil where the calcium can be used by plants.
Adjusting Acid Soils
Lime can be used to make soils less acidic. Gypsum is not effective in raising pH.
Nutrients
Lime and gypsum supply calcium. Since magnesium often occurs with limestone, it ends up in agricultural lime, further enriching soil. Sulfur sometimes occurs with gypsum, adding extra soil nutrition.
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