GYPSUM IN AGRICULTURE: UNLOCKING THE BENEFITS FOR VARIOUS FARM TYPES

Soil is one of the most important aspects of agriculture since it provides structure and all the essential nutrients for the crop. Now, with changing dynamics in the field of agriculture coupled with advanced technologies and innovations, it is high time that soil amendments should be put into use to improve the health and yielding capacity of soils.

Gypsum proves to be an excellent source when it comes to improving soil quality and yield estimates.

Historically, gypsum was used in industries such as construction and industrial usage, but at present, gypsum is widely known for its tremendous benefits in the field of agriculture.

This blog focusses on how gypsum can be beneficial for your farm and other crucial insights.

What Is Gypsum?

Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral containing calcium sulphate dihydrate, CaSO4. This mineral has been well known for its numerous benefits to the construction and tile manufacturing industries, and now it is being gradually recognised by agriculture for the benefits it can provide farmers in enhancing the quality of their soils and ultimately crop yields.

The Role Of Gypsum In Modern Day Farming:

In today’s world, where agricultural practices are evolving day by day, farmers are on a continuous hunt for new techniques and innovations that can increase their yield capacity. There are various soil amendments on the market, but gypsum has proven to be one of the most beneficial to the crop. Gypsum not only improves the soil quality, but it also helps fight problems such as soil degradation and water management. It is a strong and effective solution to address all soil issues while being sustainable.

How To Apply Gypsum Correctly?

The rate at which gypsum is applied to a crop and field is dependent upon the type of soil and crop requirements; a soil test should be conducted to define the recommendations for gypsum application. Gypsum can be evenly distributed throughout the field by spreading it over the soil or by adding it to the irrigation system.

Advantages Of Using Gypsum

Gypsum offers a number of benefits when it comes to agriculture. These are:

1. Soil Structure Improvement: Gypsum is very well known for improving the structure of different types of soils, especially compacted soils like clayey soil, which improves root development and aeration in the soil. Gypsum also improves soil tilth, which helps in seedbed preparation, weed control, and the growth of the plant.
2. Water Management: Gypsum helps with better drainage and infiltration, which reduces waterlogging. It also enhances the capability of soil to retain water, which helps to maintain the moisture content of the soil intact.
3. Calcium Supply: Gypsum embodies a rich source of calcium, the most essential nutrient in crop development. It assures an adequate flow of calcium to the plant, which is part of building stronger cell walls.
4. Sustainable Farming Using Gypsum: Naturally occurring products have quite low footprints on the environment. Gypsum improves the texture and fertility of soil, which can supposedly save up to 70% on chemical fertilisers.
5. Reducing the Salinity of Soil: By replacing sodium ions in sodic soils, it reduces permeability, which prevents salt from accumulating.

Farm Types That Benefit From Gypsum

1. Row crop forms such as corn, soybeans, and cotton help improve soil structure, enhance drainage systems, and provide an efficient nutrient supply.
2. Gypsum seems to benefit crops mainly in the form of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and lettuce, and root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets because it provides well-aerated conditions in the soil and facilitates uniform moisture levels along with uniformity in the uptake of nutrients.
3. Gypsum may be used on fruit crops like citrus, apples, peaches, pears, etc., as it improves the soil structure and its water retention capacity to provide for root growth.
4. Vineyards like grapevines and gypsum will help prevent soil erosion and the potential for root diseases, enhancing growth.
5. Pastures and forage land can benefit from enriched soils and increased nutrient availability with the help of gypsum. Forage quality and livestock health can be expected to improve.

Wrapping Up:

Gypsum can benefit your soil in many aspects, but a test of the soil must be taken before its application. Whether vegetables, fruits, or even pastures, gypsum is able to lift farming activities to better yield production.

For more information on whether gypsum can help your farm or not, contact KG2 Australia. We can offer you cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the same.