Gypsum offers benefits beyond sulfur and calcium (see article above) as a fall fertilizer option. "Gypsum helps improve soil structure, which leads to better seed-to-soil contact," said John Swanson, Federated agronomist at the Ogilvie location, adding there are also long-term benefits to gypsum applications:  

• reduces crusting and improves germination;
• does not reduce soil pH because it is net neutral (unlike AMS, which is acidic);
• improves water use efficiency;
• helps prevent water logging in soils;
• helps plants absorb nutrients;
• decreases the bulk density (compaction) of the soil;
• increases crop rooting depth;
• decreases N losses to the air.

Additionally, gypsum's impact on the soil properties can help decrease the incidence of white mold, a significant issue this year (see article below).

Federated recommends Gypsoil™ Blendable, a consistent durable gypsum pellet that can be simply blended with other fertilizers for consistent application. "Talk to your local Federated Agronomist," said Swanson, "for more information and crop-specific use rates, as well as soil amendment use rates based on your soils."