Gypsum

Our Gypsum range of products is suitable for all agricultural, horticultural and amenity applications for soil treatment as a conditioner, fertiliser and for correctional purposes. All products are high quality soluble Calcium Sulphate varying in presentation; therefore suitable for all applications.

Typical Analysis: 45% Sulphur (SO₃) 24% Calcium (Ca)

Applications of Gypsum are excellent for improving clay or high sodium type soils. Clay soils often contain high magnesium levels and little organic matter; this condition tends to make the soil particles so tight that air and water cannot penetrate. Soils of this type may also have quite a high pH but still be low in calcium, whilst alkali soils with high sodium or magnesium levels will reduce plant, crop or turf production. Correct applications of Gypsum can result in such soils returning to high levels of productivity via an ion exchange that dramatically improves soil friability and tilth.

Gypsum can be applied at any time of the year, when conditions allow, but ideally during cultivation of the soil as a seedbed. As Gypsum relies upon rainfall to solubilise and move into the soil profile where it has its effect, it is best applied in early Spring or after harvest during which times most precipitation occurs.

Recommended application rates are dependent upon soil analysis, crop rotation and availability of sulphur rich organic material. Gypsum applied to grazing land should be allowed to dissipate before the re-introduction of livestock.

BENEFITS OF GYPSUM

As a Conditioner:

  • Generally improves soil structure and tilth;
  • Creates friable soils and builds deeper top-soil;
  • Breaks up soils compacted by sodium and clay;
  • Reduces cracking and compaction following irrigation and reduces soil crusting;
  • Allows soil to dry more quickly after rain or irrigation enabling it to be worked sooner;
  • Decreases energy requirements for tillage;
  • Binds organic matter to soil and checks soil erosion;
  • Enhances friendly bacterial action and discourages plant diseases related to poor soil aeration;
  • Conditioned soil allows for deeper, healthier root development and water penetration;
  • Discourages skin fungal diseases on root crops;
  • Increases soil microbial activity and encourages worms speeding up the decomposition of organic matter.

As a Fertiliser:

  • Supplies needed calcium nutrient and strengthens cell walls making plants and trees more resistant to insects and disease;
  • Provides necessary sulphur nutrient;
  • Amends nutritional tie up and makes essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, iron and zinc more available.

As a Correcting Agent:

  • Corrects magnesium/calcium ratios in high magnesium soils;
  • Leaches out harmful sodium through ionic exchange;
  • Decreases pH of sodic soils;
  • Increases pH of acidic soils.