- Can I use Gypsum as a soil amendment?
- How much Gypsum will I need?
- Does Gypsum replace liming?
- What crops benefit most from Gypsum?
- Do I have to incorporate Gypsum?
- Can I cut back on my fertilizer if I use Gypsum?
- Is Gypsum a fertilizer?
- How do I know if my Gypsum is working?
- Is there any research data on gypsum?
- Will my yields improve with Gypsum?
- How much does gypsum cost?
- Where can I get Gypsum?
- How can I get more information about Gypsum?
- Do I have to apply gypsum every year?
- Does mulching Reduce Evaporation?
- Does Burying Stubble Get Organic Matter into The Soil?
- How do soils contribute to food security?
- Is soil erosion a global issue?
- What is soil health?
- How to improve soil fertility?
| Can I use Gypsum as a soil amendment? | Top |
| Yes, Gypsum contains Calcium and Sulfur and could be used as an amendment in Calcium deficient soils or if you would like to adjust the pH level. | |
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| For soil amendment, apply gypsum at a rate of one ton per acre every three years. For sulfur only, typical rates are 300 to 500 lbs./A but growers often opt for the higher rates to achieve both benefits. | |
| Does Gypsum replace liming? | Top |
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No. Lime is used to adjust the soil’s pH. Gypsum also enhance soil structure and improve the release of nutrients to the crop but Gypsum does not alter soil pH. |
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| What crops benefit most from Gypsum? | Top |
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Applying Gypsum can be beneficial for all crops because it improves the soil’s ability to provide a healthy environment for plant roots. It normally takes more than one year to realize the full benefit of using Gypsum as a soil amendment. Gypsum is commonly used in peanut and wheat production. |
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| Do I have to incorporate Gypsum? | Top |
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No. Gypsum is water-soluble and will move down through the soil profile depositing calcium and sulfur into the soil profile. Generally, within three years, water-soluble calcium and sulfur from surface-applied gypsum are present at 36-inch depth. |
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| Can I cut back on my fertilizer if I use Gypsum? | Top |
| Possibly, It depends upon your farming practices, soil conditions, growing environment, etc. Typically, soils where biological systems are active – when soil microbes are effectively at work breaking down organic matter, making humus and balancing nutrients – plants and soil will use applied fertilizers more efficiently. | |
| Is Gypsum a fertilizer? | Top |
| It is primarily used a soil amendment that loosens up hard, compacted soil and allows water and plant roots to reach farther down into the soil profile. The biological systems also release and balance soil nutrients for the crop. It is also an excellent source of sulfur and calcium for soils. | |
| How do I know if my Gypsum is working? | Top |
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Generally, you may begin to experience softer soils within 12 months of application, depending upon your farming practices and soil condition. Many growers report their fields show improved water infiltration. Growers often report seeing immediate crop quality and yield improvements after Gypsum applications. |
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| Is there any research data on gypsum? | Top |
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Yes. The USDA, ICARDA and SAWCRI conducted various research trails and other organizations around the world have done extensive research on the effects of gypsum on soil structure, soil and water quality and crop production. |
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| Will my yields improve with Gypsum? | Top |
| Gypsum changes soil structure to allow for better crop performance. Yield response depends upon the whole management system and what the limiting factors are. With good management, better soils consistently produce higher yields. | |
| How much does gypsum cost? | Top |
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One bag of gypsum cost Rs. 80-200. |
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| Where can I get Gypsum? | Top |
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Gypsum manufacturing factories are situated in Mianwali, Khushab, Dera Ghazi Khan and Khewra. It is also available from local dealers. |
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| How can I get more information about Gypsum? | Top |
| Farmers can get any information regarding Gypsum from SAWCRI Chakwal. | |
| Do I have to apply gypsum every year? | Top |
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No, gypsum should be applied every three years |
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| Does mulching Reduce Evaporation? | Top |
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Yes, in the short term because of reduced soil temperatures and consequently evaporation. There are two types of mulching: organic and inorganic mulches. |
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| Does Burying Stubble Get Organic Matter into The Soil? | Top |
| Yes, buried stubbles increases organic matter in the soil. | |
| How do soils contribute to food security? | Top |
| It is estimated that 90-95% of our food is directly and indirectly produced on our soils. Healthy and good quality food can only be produced if our soils are healthy. | |
| Is soil erosion a global issue? | Top |
| Yes, studies report that approximately 33% of our soils are facing moderate to severe erosion. The current rate of soil erosion threatens the capacity to meet the needs of future generations. | |
| What is soil health? | Top |
| Soil health is the capacity to produce food in good quantity and quality and have necessary nutrients in proper proportion. | |
| How to improve soil fertility? | Top |
| Soil fertility can be increased through increasing organic matter in soil through green manuring, composting, balance use of inorganic fertilizers, in-situ soil moisture conservation and soil conservation practices. | |