What Is the Effect of Applying Gypsum on Soil?
Gypsum is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate. Gardeners and farmers use it as a soil amendment to address certain concerns. Gympsum can soften the soil, improve the health of plant roots and provide other advantages too.
Erosion
Adding gypsum to dry soil can reduce erosion by limiting the amount of soil dust that is carried away by wind and water.
Drainage
Adding gypsum to water-soaked clay soil, which often contains high sodium levels, can improve water drainage.
Seed Emergence
Gypsum prevents crusting of the top layer of soil after a hard rain or sprinkler irrigation. This reduces the strain on seedlings when they push through the surface.
Sodic Soil
Soil with a high level of sodium is considered sodic. It has poor soil structure, high pH and a nutrient imbalance that can harm plants. The calcium in gypsum replaces the sodium in the soil, and the sodium leaches through, resulting in favorable conditions for plant growth.
Toxicity
The calcium in gypsum regulates the uptake of iron, zinc, manganese and copper by plant roots, decreasing heavy metal toxicity.
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