Plants are sensitive to soil because it provides nutrients.
Gypsum is calcium sulfate, a sedimentary mineral found worldwide. Many gardeners use it to loosen and amend soils, but gypsum isn't right for every garden. Not only do different gardens require different levels based on their own soil chemistry, but there are very specific instances in which it will help a garden. Often, it does nothing, and too much is harmful. The general recommend amount to use is 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet of soil. Work it into the soil with other amendments.
Adding Calcium
Because gypsum is calcium sulfate, it increases calcium levels calcium in the soil. This can be good for plants, helping them to build strong cell walls and healthy leaves and roots. Plants suffering a lack of calcium exhibit brown edges or dry, fragile roots. However, a soil test is needed because other factors can cause such symptoms. If your soil is lacking in calcium, using gypsum as an amendment is especially effective in situations requiring extra calcium but no in the soil's pH.
Loosening Soil
Gypsum is often credited with loosening clay soils, which are heavy, dense and in need of aeration. However, there's debate over whether or not it actually works. Ed Hume, TV gardener and author of "Gardening with Ed Hume," says that yearly applications of gypsum in a 3-year period improve clay soil structures. Craig Cogger, WSU Extension Soil Scientist, argues that it only improves soil structure if high sodium levels cause the issues.
Binding Sodium
Gypsum is effective in leaching sodium. Adding gypsum to high-salinity soil helps because the calcium displaces the salt, which then binds with the sulfate to form sodium sulfate. Sodium sulfate is water soluble and is washed away by irrigation and rainfall. When using this technique, know the water's mineral content. Not only might it be depositing extra salt, but also the water might already be providing your garden with lime. This may double the supply of calcium to your plants, which may or may not be a good thing.
Tying Up Nutrients
Calcium ties up nutrients in the soil, making them unavailable to plants. Plants in soil containing too much calcium show a deficiency of potassium and magnesium, as well as other micronutrients. This is because nutrients are tied up by the levels of calcium. The symptoms usually include a yellowing or whitening of plants tissues call Chlorosis. Regulate the amount of calcium you're adding fixes this problem. A soil test tells you if you need to amend the soil to correct an existing calcium imbalance.
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