Agricultural Gypsum

Agricultural Gypsum

While farmers have used gypsum (calcium sulphate dehydrate) for centuries, it has received renewed attention in recent years.

This resurgence is due to ongoing research and practical insights from leading experts that highlight the many benefits of gypsum.

More than 200 attendees heard from industry representatives, scientists, consultants and grower on the use of gypsum to improve soil structure, reduce nutrient run-off and more.

Major Benefits of Gypsum

  1. Gypsum is an excellent source of calsium and sulphur for plant nutrition and which improves crop yield.
  2. It improves acid soils and treats aluminium toxicity. Surface-applied gypsum leaches down to the subsoil and results in increased root growth Improves soil structure.
  3. Gypsum has been used for many years to improve aggregation and inhibit or overcome dispersion in sodic soils.
  4. Having the qualities to improve water infiltration, when gypsum is applied to soil it allows water to move into the soil and allow the crop to grow well.
  5. The product also helps to reduce runoff and erosion. Therefore, Gypsum should be considered as a Best Management Practice for reducing soluble pH losses.

Product Characteristics

Chemical Name Calcium sulphate dihydrate
Minimum gypsum purity (%) 85%
Water of crystallization (%) 20%
Moisture Content (%) 0% at manufacture
Solubility of gypsum in water g / litre 2.1
pH 7
Chemical Composition CaSO4. 2H2O