Gypsum improves the health of an established lawn.
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral composed of 96 percent calcium sulfate. This soft mineral is used on existing lawns to treat the soil and improve the health of the lawn. Applied to an established lawn, gypsum filters down through the grass to improve the soil around and under the root system. Before planting a lawn, a treatment of gypsum improves the soil in preparation for both lawn seed and sod. Gypsum is used to treat three difficult soil conditions: heavy-clay soil, sodic soil, and hardpan soil.
Clay Soil
Gypsum penetrates heavy, wet clay soil, loosening the ground to improve drainage. Heavy clay soils remain soggy after a period of heavy rainfall or overwatering. Without drainage around the root system, a lawn becomes waterlogged, causing damage to grasses. Adding gypsum to an established lawn in heavy, clay soil lightens and breaks up clay soil for better drainage and healthier grass.
Sodic Soils
Sodic soils are common in arid landscapes and are characterized by high sodium content and hard, dry compact soil. The high sodium content creates a difficult planting environment for grass and lawns. In areas where sodic soil is common, gypsum is used to neutralize the sodium in the soil while breaking up the earth for improved drainage and moisture penetration.
Hardpan Soil
Gypsum breaks up hardpan soil improving soil drainage. Hardpan soil is a thick layer of soil that can exist just below the topsoil layer. This layer of heavy soil prevents water from draining away. When a lawn is planted in the topsoil above the hardpan layer, water builds up around the roots, depleting oxygen. Without oxygen, the grass will suffer and possibly die. Hardpan soil is caused by prolonged use of heavy machinery on a site, or the presence of a natural layer of silica, iron oxide, or calcium carbonate. Adding gypsum to a lawn or intended lawn site on hardpan soil loosens the hard layer, improving drainage.
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