“A common misconception is that gypsum is a liming agent, but it is actually pH neutral.  It does, however, provide 21% calcium (Ca) and 17% sulfur (S). It is a great source of season long sulfur,” according to John Swanson, Federated agronomist at the Ogilvie location.

Gypsum releases into the soil slightly quicker than elemental sulfur, but it isn’t as fast and leachable as AMS (and because it’s pH neutral, gypsum is less acidic than AMS).

“It is a great slow release S source for corn, but it is also great for legumes like soybeans and alfalfa, which both respond well to S and Ca,” said Swanson.

Federated recommends Gypsoil Blendable, a consistent durable pellet that can be blended with other fertilizers for application ease. Gypsoil Blendable is a dry fertilizer that provides all the benefits of gypsum, such as:

• - improving soil structure, leading to better seed-to-soil contact;
• - reducing crusting and improving germination;
• - improving water use efficiency;
• - preventing water logging of soils;
• - helping plants absorb plant nutrients;
• - helping increase crop rooting depth;
• - decreasing the bulk density of the soil (compaction);
• - decreasing N losses to the air.

As an added benefit, gypsum positively affects soil properties, which then decreases the incidence of white mold.  “With white mold becoming more of an issue, this will be of even greater importance as we move forward,” said Swanson.

Gypsoil Blendable is a great addition to early spring fertilizer applications, and it is a good partner with P and K applications in the fall.

“Please talk with your local Federated Agronomist for more information and crop-specific use rates, as well as soil amendment use rates based on your soils,” he said.