Re: Anybody add gypsum to their soil for calcium?
Ok ... to answer the question and the basics .....
Gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate; about 17% to 20% calcium and 13% to 16% sulfate. It does not raise the Ph of soil when added and it takes about 5 or 6 months or longer to break down for plant roots to begin taking up the calcium.
Lime is usually calcium oxide and/ or calcium hydroxide. It will raise the Ph of the soil. So one needs to be aware of the soil PH and use as needed. Again lime takes while to break down before calcium is available to plant uptake; but not as long as gypsum.
If calcium is need immediately to cure plant deficiency, then use calcium chloride or calcium nitrate as a foliar spray or ground drench. Mix 1/2 to 1 oz per gal of water for foliar spraying. The calcium is already in a form for immediate plant uptake & uses.
Other forms of calcium will have to breakdown until the calcium is water soluble. So the question is how long will it take to breakdown and the calcium to be water soluble. Oyster shells and bone meal will likely take several months (same as lime) depending on fine the shells & bone are ground.
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Last edited by edwmax : 02-10-2021 at 03:24 PM.
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