Gypsum

[RobA]

Has anyone ever used gypsum to improve clay soil in a pasture or hay field? Any thoughts on application rate?

 

[ToadHill]

I don't remember the formula, but I know it takes a lot of Gypsum over a long time to improve clay soil. In bygone years it was referred to as "land plaster".

 

[Fossil Farm]

Gypsum is basically lime. If the soil pH is low, it would work well for that. If you are looking to create more of a "topsoil" layer out of the clay soil, adding manure or other organics would be helpful. Just stay away from sawdust, as that takes alot of nutrients away from the soil to break it down. Good luck.

 

[jonyyuma]

I just plowed 25 lbs of new scrap sheet rock under in my garden to help with curing the Blossom-end rot on my Tomatoes..we had a lot of it last year..I have limed each year, but???

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Has anyone ever used gypsum to improve clay soil in a pasture or hay field? Any thoughts on application rate?

Gypsum is reported to help clay soils, but being a salt of a strong acid and a strong base, in solution, Gypsum is close to neutral. Limestone is a bit on the alkaline side. Clay soil usually exhibits an alkaline pH; therefore elemental Sulfur, in powdered form (also known as flowers of Sulfur) is a better choice. When added to the soil, and with the addition of water and action of soil bacteria, it slowly converts to Sulfuric Acid which will tend to dissolve the more alkaline clays. Till up the soil, add the Sulfur and other modifiers, such as compost, and till it up again. Water it down and let nature take its course. I can't tell you how much Sulfur to add; you might have your soil tested and go from there.

 

[RobA]

Thanks. I'll be doing a soil test in next few weeks.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

If your soil is alkaline, you might consider using Ammonium Sulfate fertilizer...it will also tend to acidify your soil. In terms of Nitrogen content it probably wouldn't be economical for large acerages, but I use it on my yard and it works very well. It runs about $20 for a 50# bag at the feed store.

 

[Spindifferent]

I just plowed 25 lbs of new scrap sheet rock under in my garden to help with curing the Blossom-end rot on my Tomatoes..we had a lot of it last year..I have limed each year, but???

I side-dressed 1/2 oz of gypsum pellets per tomato plant this year, and have not had any blossom-end rot in my medium-clay and alkaline soil. This, along with balanced fertilizer and careful watering has produced some very excellent Purple Cherokee, Black Krim, Golden Boy, and Celebrity tomatoes this year.

Then again, maybe I was just lucky.

- Spindifferent

 

[mjarrels]

Should help fire proof the soil too.

mark

 

[jonyyuma]

I side-dressed 1/2 oz of gypsum pellets per tomato plant this year, and have not had any blossom-end rot in my medium-clay and alkaline soil. This, along with balanced fertilizer and careful watering has produced some very excellent Purple Cherokee, Black Krim, Golden Boy, and Celebrity tomatoes this year.

Then again, maybe I was just lucky.

- Spindifferent

Great, I hope it works for mine too??/BTW, can I come to your home to eat Tomatoes? It looks like you have some of the best types planted..Last year my yellow-low acid type did nothing...One fruit per plant and not very big?