Use Calcium Sulfate As a Soil Conditioner
Agricultural Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate - CaSO4) is an organic material used too amend, condition and fertilize garden soil. Soil lacking in adequate amounts of calcium sulfate may become compacted, preventing air and water penetration. Without a sufficient supply of calcium sulfate, soil may lose its leaching ability and become overly saturated with salt or other excessive elements harmful to healthy plant development.
Instructions
1. Test the soil. Take a soil sample to your local county extension office to test for the pH level of the soil and to evaluate nutrient content. Amend as recommended.
2. Condition the soil by adding calcium sulfate following product manufacturer's packaging label instructions. Compacted, dense soils respond well to an application of Calcium Sulfate. Gypsum is considered to be a universal soil amendment; improving aeration and water filtration into the soil, increasing the pH levels in acidic soils and aiding seed emergence. Gypsum controls the odors of manure and organic compost materials, prevents surface crusting of soil and conserves nitrogen.
3. Add gypsum to leach salts out of the soil. Areas of the home landscape near streets, sidewalks or driveways where vegetation is suffering from salt spray applied during the winter, will perk-up from an application of calcium sulfate. Generously broadcast pulverized gypsum on the salt-damaged area and water well.
4. Recycle drywall (gypsum with a thin paper backing) from construction products. (Every year in North America more than 30 billion square feet of gypsum wallboard are manufactured to fill the demands of the construction industry. Approximately 25 percent of construction waste is drywall material.) When crushed, it is an excellent addition to the compost pile or can be broadcast and tilled into the garden.
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