What is gypsum role in increasing agricultural production efficiency?
Given the shortage of quality soil and water under the current circumstances using gypsum can lead to the best consequences. In terms of increased efficiency of the cultivation of various plants, trees, and gardens.
Gypsum plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural production efficiency. by improving soil structure, enhancing water infiltration, and providing essential nutrients for plant growth. Here are the key benefits of gypsum in agriculture.
- Source of calcium and sulfur for plant nutrition. Gypsum is an excellent source of sulfur, which is becoming increasingly deficient in plants. It also provides calcium, another essential nutrient for plant growth.
- Improves acid soils and treats aluminum toxicity. Gypsum can reduce aluminum toxicity, which often accompanies soil acidity. It can even improve some acid soils beyond what lime can do for them.
- Enhances water-use efficiency. Gypsum increases water-use efficiency of crops by improving water infiltration rates, soil hydraulic conductivity, and water storage in the soil. This is particularly important in areas and times of drought.
- Reduces runoff and erosion. Adding gypsum to the soil reduces erosion by increasing its ability to soak up water after precipitation, thus reducing runoff.
- Improves soil structure. Gypsum improves the overall quality of the soil structure. by making it more porous and receptive to water, allowing for better root growth and nutrient uptake.
- Treats sodic soils. Gypsum has been used for many years to improve aggregation and overcome dispersion in sodic soils, where it helps to enhance soil structure and water management.
- Does not increase soil pH. Unlike limestone, gypsum does not increase soil pH, making it a suitable option for soils that do not require liming but can benefit from calcium and sulfur supplementation.
- Reduces leaching losses of potassium and magnesium. When added to soil together with lime, gypsum has been shown to decrease leaching losses of potassium and magnesium, further improving nutrient availability for plants.
- Does not contribute to salt problems. In soils with high soluble salt content, gypsum is not used as it would add to the salt problem. However, in other soil types, it can help improve soil structure and nutrient availability without exacerbating salt issues