Re: [APD] Gypsum

[Liz Wilhite <satirica at gmail_com>]

Darrell,
 I wouldn't argue with the extension service article because gypsum can only 
have an effect if the soil is calcium depleted. Adding excess calcium to 
already calcium rich soil won't help. The soil in my backyard at the time I 
added gypsum was calcium depleted -- tomatoes suffered blossom end rot if 
the soil was untreated. My husband, a clay minerologist, assures me Ca can 
have major impact on clay structure. As to whether that translates into a 
noticeable change in soil properties is another matter. Overall, though, the 
gypsum (and I got mine from broken, used sheetrock rather than buying the 
stuff) doesn't have as much impact as compost in my opinion.
 Liz

 On 8/21/05, Darrell Fennell <dkfennell at yahoo_com> wrote: 
> 
> Liz, most people say it helps loosen clay soils, but
> the Denver Coop Extension Service disagrees.
> 
> http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Soil/gypsum.htm
> 
> I must say my recollection of Brady supports the view
> that Gypsum can't affect soil structure. (Brady,
> however, is so badly written and such an unpleasant
> reading experience that my recollection is better
> about the pain of getting through the text than the
> actual substance of it.)
> 
> Darrell Fennell
> 
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