Gypsum 101
Posted on April 22, 2019
Gypsum contains calcium and sulfur and is pH neutral, which means that it will not move pH up or down. Gypsum offers many benefits for improving soil structure in tight, compacted, or high-clay soils. The sulfur in gypsum attaches to magnesium cations that strongly bind soil particles closely together. The sulfur then flushes magnesium through the soil profile, helping to loosen soil. Over time, the soil becomes more “breathable” as increased water and air infiltration are able to more easily flow through increased pore space.
WHAT’S THE GYPSUM BUZZ?
Gypsum is a hot topic in agriculture these days. Though pricier than lime, it is important to understand the differences between lime and gypsum and apply gypsum when it’s more appropriate. Unlike lime, gypsum provides sulfur to the soil. As a result of the Clean Air Act in 1963, crops do not receive sulfur in the form of acid rain because the rain is no longer acidic. Sulfur is an anion that is leachable in the soil profile, so it is up to the producer to monitor sulfur levels and supplement as needed.
THE ANDERSONS PELLETIZED PRODUCTS
The Andersons pelletized lime and gypsum products are a marriage of wonderful attributes. You get the nutrients that you need—high quality mined calcium, magnesium or sulfur, depending on the product— in a granule form that is user-friendly and spreads easily.
The Andersons pelletized gypsum product, NutraSoft® DG or OP, efficiently delivers 21% calcium and 16% sulfur that can be applied on all soil types and pH ranges. NutraSoft has the potential to loosen compacted soils. NutraSoft is offered in two versions that both feature DG—Dispersing Granule—technology.
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The original Dispersing Granule for conventional use
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Contains a dust-control agent
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OMRI listed for organic use
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Contains no dust-control agent for organic purposes
The Andersons pelletized lime product, NutraLime®, is available in high-calcium (Hi-Cal) and high-magnesium (Hi-Mag) versions. These pelletized limestone products provide immediate availability of calcium and magnesium, and raise the soil pH in-season. DG technology is incorporated into all NutraLime products. As with NutraSoft, NutraLime is available in both DG and OP versions.
(HI-CAL OR HI-MAG)
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The original Dispersing Granule for conventional use
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Contains a dust-control agent
(HI-CAL OR HI-MAG)
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OMRI listed for organic use
-
Contains no dust-control agent for organic purposes
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please complete the form, and we’ll get you in touch with your Territory Manager from The Andersons.
©2019 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. NutraSoft and NutraLime are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc.
