Gypsum is calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. It has been publicised as beneficial for breaking up compact soil, especially clay soil. It is useful in changing the soil structure of excessively heavy soils which have been impacted by heavy traffic, flooding, overcropping, or simply overly weatherised. One of the main uses of gypsum is to remove excess sodium from the soil and adding calcium. A soil analysis is helpful in determining if you need to apply gypsum as a soil amendment. 

Additional benefits are a reduction in crusting, improved water run-off and erosion control, assisting in seedling emergence, more workable soils, and better percolation. However, the effects will only last a couple of months before the soil reverts to its original state.

 

1. Source of calcium and sulphur for plant nutrition. 

2. Improves alkaline soils. 

3. Improves soil structure. 

4. Improves water infiltration.

5. Helps reduce runoff and erosion.