How gypsum helps improve soil structure
Gypsum is a soft white-grey mineral known as a ‘clay breaker’ becauseit helps to improve the physical condition of heavy clay soils. In layman’s terms, if you look at compacted soils under a microscope they look like a jar full of sand. If you mix gypsum with the soils it will then look like a jar full of marbles, with air pockets around them. The result of this occurring is to allow better water and root penetration.Root development and the intake of other essential nutrients are assisted as well by the calcium content of gypsum.
How to use gypsum to improve your lawn
As a rule, gypsum is best cultivated and mixed into clay or heavy soils prior to laying turf or adding turf underlay. If you have an existing lawn that is suffering from compaction, using gypsum will also help relieve compaction in most clay or heavy soils. First aerate the lawn, then spread 1-2kg/m2 of gypsum over the lawn andrake in. If you’re unable to aerate the lawn first, water the gypsum in heavily once spread. Remember good soil structure will give you a great lawn. If you want more advice, get in touch with your local Lawn Solutions Australia member.
FAQs
Gypsum works great at loosening compact clay soil by pulling particles together creating porous spaces for air, water and plant roots. Gypsum also increases water storage and reduces erosion.
When should you put gypsum on your lawn? ›
Established Lawns: Use 10 lbs. of gypsum per 150 square feet in the spring and in the fall. At these times of year, you can take advantage of seasonal moisture essential for the desired conditioning of the soil.
Can you add too much gypsum to soil? ›
It is possible to use too much gypsum. Adding too much gypsum to your soil can damage it by removing necessary nutrients. An abundance of gypsum can remove elements such as iron, aluminum and manganese from your soil and cause them to contaminate other areas, harming plant growth.
How do I know if my soil needs gypsum? ›
Signs that Your Lawn Might Need a Gypsum Treatment on Your West Chester Yardman adding lime to soil in back yard
- You have compacted clay in your soil.
- Your soil's calcium level is low.
- Your soil's sodium level is high.
Earth Science Fast Acting Gypsum® starts working immediately to loosen clay and other compact soils, creating a better environment for plants to thrive.
Will gypsum make my grass green? ›
These areas are most likely where you or your county applied winter salt to melt ice. Salt draws moisture from grass roots causing it to turn brown. Also, check areas where your pets frequently go to the bathroom for damage. Then, transform those ugly brown spots into lush, green lawn by amending the soil with gypsum.
Should I water after gypsum? ›
You do not have to work gypsum into the soil – simply use a spreader to distribute it over the surface of your lawn or garden. For garden application, also mix in compost or organic matter. Water immediately after application.
How often should I apply gypsum to soil? ›
After a few months, the effects will begin to wear off and the soil composition will revert to its original state. Applying a treatment at least annually will be required.
Can you apply gypsum and grass seed at the same time? ›
I would reseed the area first and allow the new grass to grow 2-3 inches high. After the second or third mowing you can apply gypsum and it will work its way into the soil. There's no reason that you cannot apply it at any time, in amounts as suggested on the label. Good luck with your lawn!
Can you apply gypsum and fertilizer together? ›
Pelletized gypsum (calcium sulfate) can be easily blended with today's dry fertilizer materials including urea, ammonium sulfate, diammonium phosphate (DAP) or monoammonium phosphate (MAP).
If you are planning to plant vegetables, shrubs, and flowers, then mix well 20 to 30 pounds of gypsum per thousand square feet into the soil and water. If you plan to apply gypsum in the presence of plantings, then a rate of 40 pounds per one thousand square feet should be used.
How to fix compacted soil in lawn? ›
How to fix compacted soils
- Amend your soil by adding organic matter, like compost. Decomposing organic matter helps build soil aggregates.
- Aerate the soil, which removes small plugs of soil to alleviate compaction and prevent thatch accumulation. ...
- Get planting! ...
- Not all weeds are bad!
A mixture of 1kg of water to 1.5kg of gypsum plaster, for example, can be expressed as 2 parts water to 3 parts plaster, or a 2:3 ratio. Usually, the equation is expressed in terms of 100 parts of plaster. The 2:3 ratio would then become 67:100.
Should you apply gypsum before or after aeration? ›
Gypsum works best when it is in direct contact with soil, such as before you seed/sod or when you rototill your garden. For established lawns, the best results are found when Gypsum is applied after a lawn aeration.
Can you apply gypsum and fertilizer at the same time? ›
Since Gypsum can be used on any soil type because it does not alter the soil pH level, you don't have to balance your pH level before applying. Also, since Gypsum is not a fertilizer, it can be used before or after a fertilizer application, anytime of the season.
How often should you use gypsum? ›
After a few months, the effects will begin to wear off and the soil composition will revert to its original state. Applying a treatment at least annually will be required.
