Market Farming

["Bill Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT inil.com>]

Jay

Calcium sulfate is indeed used to loosen clay soils. Because it is a 
compound of the calcium ion and the sulfate ion, which neutralize each 
other, it is considered to be of no appreciable impact on soil pH. We have 
no need for it so I'm not familiar with rates of useage. I suspect a fall 
application will be more effective for Spring tillage.

Bill Shoemaker, Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
University of Illinois - St Charles Horticulture Research Center
www.nres.uiuc.edu/faculty/directory/shoemaker_wh.html

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jay Atkerson" <jay AT mcreccwb.com>
To: <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 11:40 AM
Subject: [Market-farming] Use of Gypsum


> I read conflicting research regarding the use of gypsum as a soil
> amendment,  Perhaps the conflict lies in the amount of sodium in the
> soil, but I know little about sodium content in soil.
>
> West Coast data indicate there is no value in the use of gypsum to
> tillable soil but I live in eastern US (South Central Kentucky-Zone 6B)
> and recently saw a local TV Gardening show where a commercial vegetable
> farmer was praising the use of gypsum.  (To break up clay soil)
>
> Does gypsum change the pH of soil and what amounts do you apply if
> indeed it is advisable to use gypsum?  Is there a preferred time of year
> for its application?
>
> Finally, in an related matter, I have access to large rolls of spoiled
> hay.  I'm looking for a "Hay unroller", (Attached to a tractor three
> point hitch) to use as mulch between garden rows.  Does anyone know of
> this use and where can I get this device?
>
> Jay
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