permaculture

[Jerome Rigot <rigot.3@osu.edu>]

Please check your information before posting to a list! Gypsum does 
not increase pH!

It is neutral, and actually its use over time may acidify the soil 
slightly. But it is used to help buffer the soil solution (thus 
preventing large variations in pH), and is primarily used to help 
loosen the soil structure, particularly with heavy clay soils and 
soils with hard subsoil problems.

Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate, and limestone is calcium 
carbonate, which does increase the soil pH.

Jerome

At 04:17 PM 11/12/2006, you wrote:
> Antonio,
>
> Gypsum increases the soil's pH a lot! Try and avoid its use. It will cause
> clay particles to disassocite, but the increase in pH is detrimental to a
> lot of trees, ornamentals and vegetables. Mulch and compost do more than
> gypsum. The humic acids break apart the clay as does the action of
> earthworms feeding on bacteria that digest the mulch. Slime molds and fungi
> also increase the carbon holding capacity of the clay soil and keep it loose
> and friable. Gypsum only sinks and never acts above the level it is at. I
> really do not recommend it, even as a short term solution.
>
> Kevin
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <sinergyinaction@netscape.net>
> To: <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 9:35 AM
> Subject: [permaculture] Gypsum
>
>
> > Hi
> > how can one know that a land needs gypsum as an amendment and how much to
> use?
> > does any clay soil need it?
> > Thanks
> > Antonio
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