Adding gypsum can improve your lawn.
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral with the chemical formula of Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4•2H2O). It has been used to improve soils since the 18th century and can be purchased in almost any gardening center. Gypsum can be applied to a variety of soil types to improve drainage and promote plant growth. It is non-toxic and when applied to lawns will not harm pets.
Clay Soils
A high percentage of clay in the topsoil can impede drainage and turn a lawn into a soggy mess. Many gardeners recommend applying gypsum to break up the clay. If your lawn has not yet been planted, you can till gypsum, along with organic matter or mulch, into the topsoil before planting grass seed or laying sod. If your lawn is already there, gypsum can be distributed with a fertilizer spreader, but you may need to repeat the procedure for several years before drainage problems are solved.
Soil Nutrients
Gypsum in the soil can prevent the ammonium nitrogen in fertilizer from evaporating. The calcium in gypsum can also help grass roots absorb nitrogen and other nutrients more efficiently. By adding gypsum to a lawn, you may be able to reduce the amount of fertilizer needed to keep your lawn its greenest. Plan on adding gypsum only once every three years and water thoroughly after applying. Sixty pounds of gypsum should be enough to cover 1,000 square feet of lawn.
Alkalinity
Soils that are acidic can make for difficult growing conditions. Although lime is often recommended as a treatment for acidic soils, gypsum will work as well. Both lime and gypsum are alkalines that will raise the pH of the soil. Gypsum can also be used to treat dry spots in a lawn caused by frequent pet urination.
Sodium
Many soils in the arid portions of the western United States are sodic soils, which have very poor soil structure and drainage. As a result, few plants will grow in these soils. These problems are caused by the high levels of sodium in these soils. Adding gypsym and watering extensively can flush the sodium out, improving drainage and plant growth. Some gardeners recommend using gypsum if sodium from road salt has built up in a lawn.
Soil Crusting
When raindrops or water from sprinklers hit the surface of a soil (especially if it is an unstable soil) a tiny crust can form. These crusts can prevent seeds from erupting. Adding gypsum will break up these crusts and improve grass growth.
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