Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used to improve garden and agricultural soils. Always test your soil before applying gypsum or any other soil amendment, since adding gypsum to sandy or nonsodic (or nonsalty) soils may actually be detrimental to plants and soil.
Identification
Gypsum's mineral name is calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is soluble in water, making it relatively quick to release into soils. Gypsum is most commonly used for agricultural purposes or in soils with large amounts of salt and clay.
Uses
Gypsum is particularly effective in soils with deficient calcium or sulfur levels. Unlike liming products, which are also used to correct these problems, gypsum is able to transport calcium deep into the soil, due to its water solubility.
Myths
Gypsum should not be used to correct soil pH. In certain soil conditions, it may affect pH levels, but this is not its primary purpose. These effects are only observed under certain soil conditions, such as high aluminum levels.
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