Friday, May 17, 2013

Use Gypsum Like A Flux

Gypsum is gathered and distributed all over the world.


Gypsum is one of the most widely used minerals in the world. This crystal-like compound is used in fertilizer, food, cement and drywall, and it's the primary ingredient in "Plaster of Paris." The mineral has a composition similar to anhydrite, but contains water. This makes gypsum a perfect medium to use as a flux in clay soil, earthenware or specific types of pottery, because it prevents the formation of oxides. Adding gypsum as a flux to clay soil can be accomplished with little difficulty.


Instructions


1. Pour powdered, dried gypsum into a lawn spreader. As a rule of thumb, use 40 pounds of gypsum for every 1,000 square feet of soil.


2. Spread the gypsum on top of the soil, using the spreader. Apply an even amount to the entire area where it's needed.


3. Water the soil after spreading the gypsum. This will activate the properties in the gypsum, reducing the oxides in the soil, and making the clay softer and more suitable for plant growth.



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