Wondering how much gypsum can you add to soil? Most farmers and gardeners resort to using gypsum to salvage Alkali soils. Aside from it, home gardeners also faced hardpan types of soil or clay soil which is not suitable for plant growth. Gypsum for soil remedies this problem by breaking down compacted soil to allow good drainage and nutrient absorption, essential in plant growth.
However, applying too much gypsum in the soil may also mean eliminating essential nutrients from the soil such as aluminum, iron, and manganese. Removal of these nutrients may lead to poor plant growth. Therefore, it is vital to exactly know how much gypsum to add to the soil.
What is Gypsum?
Before we go into the details as to how much gypsum can you add to the soil, let’s first discuss what is gypsum. Gypsum (CaSO4.2H20) is an evaporated naturally occurring mineral that is one of the excellent sources of calcium — an important nutrient for plant growth. It also works as a balancing element for soils and plants. It protects the soil from a nutrient deficiency or excess caused by heavy metal contamination and pH levels.
How Does Gypsum Help in Plant and Soil Health?
Here are some of the benefits of using gypsum for our garden:
1. It is a Good Source of Sulfur and Calcium.
Gypsum is a good source of calcium and sulfur which is essential for improved plant growth. As time passes, plants are having less amount of sulfur which is essential in plant nutrition and enhancing crop harvest. Even if the soil is not giving enough of it, thus applying gypsum will boost the amount of sulfur in the soil to provide to the plants. Calcium also helps speed up root growth thus allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the plants.
2. Improves the Structure of the Soil
The calcium in Gypsum improves flocculation or soil aggregation. Flocculation is vital to allow water and air movement and root growth in the soil.
3. Reduce Aluminum Toxicity
Gypsum helps treat aluminum toxicity which often goes together with soil acidity in subsoils. With this, it allows deeper rooting of plants that proves to be beneficial to the crops.
4. Enhances Water Access
Applying gypsum in the soil enhances the water permeation of the soil due to swelling clay and increased amounts of sodium, thus allowing water to have access and move in the soil making our crops go well. This also improves the chance of the crops surviving drought as it improves the structural properties of the soil that allows the positive soil-water relations to take place.
With incorrect use, gypsum can also cause damage to our gardens. It can wash out manganese, iron, and aluminum from the soil. The removal of these elements may contaminate the watershed areas and will have a detrimental effect on the growth of plants.
Is it Necessary to Apply Gypsum?
Before you choose to apply gypsum in your garden, a soil analysis must be done to determine if it is really necessary to apply gypsum to your soil. Also, you must consider the type of soil you have in your garden. For instance, those living in coastal areas might need to apply gypsum to reduce the salt levels of their soil while those who have sandy soils must not do so to avoid excess calcium accumulation. Furthermore, in places where there are already low levels of sodium, applying gypsum may also deprive the soil of salt.
How Much Gypsum to Add to Soil?
As aforementioned, it is important to know how much gypsum can you add to your soil to avoid over-application which may cause detrimental effects on our soils and plants. For home gardeners like me, spread 40 pounds of granular grade gypsum per one thousand square feet of soil. One application will be sufficient for three years, and it can be applied at any time of the year. No worries, as gypsum is neutral and not toxic to animals and humans.
If you are planning to plant vegetables, shrubs, and flowers, then mix well 20 to 30 pounds of gypsum per thousand square feet into the soil and water.
If you plan to apply gypsum in the presence of plantings, then a rate of 40 pounds per one thousand square feet should be used. Just spread the gypsum on the soil beds, and simply water it, no need to mix it into the soil. Same with home gardening, a single application will be enough for three years.
The rate of gypsum would also vary especially if there are high levels of sodium and magnesium in the soil that may cause scattering of the clay particles. You can ask for assistance to know the proper rate for such soils.
Just remember to apply gypsum as instructed on the label, watch the next video to learn how to apply gypsum to the soil.
Will Gypsum Work Immediately after Application?
Numerous factors will affect the effectiveness of gypsum in your soil one of which is the sodium levels in the soil, but the effects of gypsum will not eventually take place right after application. However, you will see a marked improvement in your soil with every growing season. Don’t expect that soils will be restored with just one application.
As soon as the calcium levels reach the optimum level of 75% base saturation, the structure of your soil will show great improvement, the development of your roots will speed up, and crop yields will increase.
Check these brands of gypsum for your soil:
Greenway Biotech– Gypsum Powder with Calcium Sulfate, is 100% water-soluble, improves soil drainage, and increases earthworms in the soil.
Down to Earth– Organic Garden Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate), is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production and Registered Organic Input Material (CDFA).
Espoma-GG6 Garden Gypsum Fertilizer, pelletized for easy application, helps cure turf burns from ice melters and pets and is suitable for organic gardening.
Gypsum is not clay. It is more commonly known as calcium sulfate and occurs naturally. Clay, on the other hand, is made from silica, alumina, and magnesia. It’s soft and loose.
Where to Buy Granulated Gypsum Soil Conditioner?
You can buy granulated Gypsum to condition your soil at many plant nurseries. Stores specializing in agricultural goods and online outlets will likely stock it too. I suggest contacting the places you think are likely to sell it for price comparisons. You can then check online to see which route works best for you.
How to Lower The pH in Soil with Gypsum?
You can’t lower your soil pH with Gypsum. This mineral can only add calcium to your soil. However, if you have acidic soil, Gypsum can help your plants. It can encourage root development to ensure crops have an easier time growing in this soil type.
Can You Use Garden Gypsum for Mushrooms?
Agricultural Gypsum does wonders for mushrooms! It’s an excellent soil amendment if you want to increase your yield. You can use granulated or pelletized Gypsum. I suggest using Gypsum for every stage of mushroom cultivation.
Can Gypsum Kill Grass?
Gypsum has successfully been used as a soil amendment for lawns. If your soil contains clay or sodium, Gypsum can improve its quality.
You can use Gypsum to reduce compaction, increase air circulation, and reduce drainage speed. If your soil contains sodium, Gypsum will help lawn roots grow healthier by ensuring moisture is kept in the ground.
I suggest testing your soil before adding Gypsum. A pH test will help you understand what is already in your lawn soil so you don’t add too much Gypsum. Overusing this mineral can kill your lawn.
How Do I Know If My Lawn Needs Gypsum?
If your lawn needs Gypsum, you’ll see signs of salt damage or calcium deficiency. Grass grown in soil with high sodium levels can appear yellow and have burned spots. Without treatment, it will discolor to brown and then black. If your soil needs calcium, your lawn will have weak or stunted growth.
Can You Put Gypsum and Grass Seed Down at The Same Time?
You can sow grass seed directly after applying Gypsum. However, if you have clay soil, giving the Gypsum time to work would be best.
Gypsum can take up to three months to break up clay soil. It’s a slow process, but the results are worth the wait! This mineral changes the soil structure. If you give it the time it needs, your soil will be left more fertile than before.
Grass seeds need loamy soil to thrive. Loam soil drains well and is loose enough for grass roots to grow freely. It should also contain minerals and organic matter. Gypsum can make clay soil absorbent while ensuring it drains fast enough to prevent water buildup and root rot. The calcium it adds will also keep grassroots healthy.
If you have heavy clay soil, the grass seeds won’t benefit when sown at the same time as Gypsum.
How Much Gypsum To Add To Clay Soil
The amount of gypsum to add to clay soil depends on the specific soil conditions and desired outcome. Generally, you should do a soil test before adding it.
A standard recommendation is 10-20 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet of soil. Two or three handfuls per square meter should be enough if you use powdered gypsum. You should work the gypsum to a depth of 6-12 inches into the soil.
How Long Does Gypsum Take To Work
Gypsum typically takes several months to show results in improving soil structure. The exact time frame will depend on several factors, including soil type, climate conditions, and the application method.
You should apply gypsum in the fall and give it time to work through the winter. This will ensure the soil is ready for planting in the spring. Gypsum needs time to break down before it can work.
The Risks of Adding Too Much Gypsum In Soil
Applying too much gypsum to soil can have negative impacts on plant growth. Some potential consequences of excessive amounts of gypsum include:
Salt Buildup: Gypsum is a source of salt, and high levels of salt in soil can be toxic to plants.
Altered Soil pH: Gypsum can have a liming effect on soil. This can increase pH levels, making it more alkaline. This can be harmful to plants that prefer more acidic soil.
Reduced Nutrient Availability: Excessive gypsum application can tie up essential nutrients, like iron, making them less available to plants.
Poor Root Development: High salt levels in soil can damage plant roots, leading to poor root development and reduced plant health.
It’s important to follow recommended application rates for gypsum. Knowing how much gypsum to add to the soil and having the soil tested regularly to monitor changes in soil chemistry and nutrient availability is important if you want to find the perfect balance.
How Much Gypsum To Add To Lawn
Adding gypsum to lawns is not straightforward. A common recommendation is to apply 40-50 pounds per 1,000 square feet of soil.
Established Lawn: Use about 10 pounds of gypsum per 150 square feet of soil.
New Lawns: Use 10 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet of soil.
You should add gypsum in the spring and the fall. It’s important that you evenly distribute the gypsum and water it thoroughly after application.
Doing a soil test before adding gypsum is also recommended. This will help you determine the nutrient and pH levels to ensure you apply the right amount of gypsum.
What You Need to Know About Gypsum pH Levels
Gypsum is a neutral salt with a pH of about 6.7. This is close to the neutral pH of 7.2-7.4 for most soils.
The pH of gypsum does not significantly impact soil pH. It has very low solubility in water and does not contribute significantly to soil acidity or alkalinity.
Gypsum works best when added to soils with high clay content. It can improve soil structure and enhance root growth. While it does not change the soil pH, it can help improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and increase nutrient uptake by plants.
If you need to raise the pH of your soil, use limestone. Gypsum should not be used for this purpose but only as a fertilizer supplement to improve calcium and sulfate levels.
Conclusion – How Much Gypsum Can You Add To Soil
Gypsum has been widely used to salvage alkali soils and improve soil structure. It only takes one application in three years, but it doesn’t show promising results right there and then. It takes several growing seasons to regain back the soil. However, studies have revealed that adding gypsum to soils didn’t show any effect on the pH, fertility, and permanent structure of the soil, yet you can still benefit from it if you have compacted soils or soils with calcium deficits or high levels of sodium. Before you consider applying gypsum as a soil remedy, a soil analysis must be conducted first.
If you have further questions about the topic, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment below.
FAQ’s
How do you add gypsum to the soil?
To add gypsum to the soil in a small area, you can use a shovel to work the soil. If it’s a large area, make use of a fertilizer or broadcast spreader. To an existing lawn or garden, position the garden spreader or a lawn spreader at the rate of 4 pounds to 100 square feet and spread gypsum evenly over the soil. As for bare or unplanted soil, use 2 to 3 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet.
In addition, apply compost or organic mulch such as pine straws, leaves, etc, and mix with the gypsum while working it into the soil. Sprinkle some water on your lawn or garden to water the gypsum into the soil.
An important note before adding gypsum to the soil is to always know your soil status. Always do soil testing.
How long does gypsum take to break up clay?
After you must have taken and watered in 2 or 3 handfuls per square meter of gypsum into your soil, the duration which gypsum can take to break up clay soil can take months. Therefore, it can take a long time before you can get its full effect.
Lime can be used to elevate soil pH as it is more alkaline. On the other hand, gypsum can’t be used to increase soil pH therefore it is neutral and does not have any effect on soil pH. Gypsum is also a lot more soluble than lime. Gypsum as well as a great element applied to lawns that are close to arid or salty regions to stay protected from excess salt during winter.
The lime compound can consist of oxide, carbonate, or hydroxide of calcium, while gypsum consists of calcium sulfate.
Also, gypsum and lime can both increase water porosity. But water porosity decreases with lime as pH increases: whereas with gypsum, water porosity can be improved at any pH.
How much gypsum can you add to soil of potted plants?
The amount of gypsum to add to your potted plants should be about 2 or 3 handfuls.
If your soil lacks calcium, mix 2 or 3 handfuls of calcium in a gallon of water and add one or two cups to your plant.
When should you put Gypsum on your lawn?
Usually, a lot of repair work done on lawns should be done in fall or spring and summer should be for maintenance and care of your lawn.
However, if you reside in the salty regions (coastal and arid regions), around winter, salt can accumulate around melted ice. This can give your lawn some undesirable yellow or brown patches which can damage your lawn.
Therefore, we recommend you apply gypsum in late fall so that your lawn will journey beautifully in and out of winter. So if your area is a salty region, gypsum will protect your lawn by leaching the salts down the roots where they cannot harm your lawn.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
