CORN Newsletter: 2004-26, August 10, 2004

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C.O.R.N Newsletter 2004-26
August 10, 2004 - August 17, 2004

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Calcium and Gypsum, What Does it Do for Your Soil?
by Robert Mullen, Edwin Lentz


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Maintaining an optimum calcium (Ca) to magnesium (Mg) ratio for proper nutrition of higher plants was initially introduced in the ‘40s based on research conducted in the Northeastern US. The premise of this research was that maintenance of a certain base saturation and subsequent nutrient ratio would provide adequate nutrition and promote good plant health. Since, multiple studies have been conducted (including research in Ohio) to evaluate the effects of base saturation and varying nutrient ratios on yield potential of several field crops. To date, the research time and again shows that maximum yields are attainable at different base saturation levels and nutrient ratios as long as nutrients are not deficient (above the critical level).

More recently in lab experiments, applications of calcium rich gypsum have been reported to improve water infiltration, reduce surface crusting, and decrease soil erosion. These improvements in soil physical characteristics are due to increased divalent cation concentrations which have been shown to improve soil water holding capacity compared to monovalent cations. Basic cations that have two charges (Ca+2 and Mg+2) contribute to better moisture holding of clays than cations with single charges (K+ and Na+). This is especially true of high clay soils. What is interesting about these studies is that Mg improves soil moisture retention as well as Ca. Thus application of either improves soil moisture absorption compared to K and Na dominated soils. However, at this time, Midwest university research has not shown an increase in crop yields from gypsum applications.

Gypsum application is highly beneficial on sodic soils (soils with high sodium (Na)). Sodic soils are dispersed and inhibit water uptake of growing plants. Calcium applied as gypsum replaces the Na in the system and promotes flocculation (aggregation) of clay particles, increasing moisture absorption and plant available water. Remember, gypsum is not a liming material. In fact, application of gypsum will not alter soil pH at all because it is a neutral salt (actually high pH soils >8.6 will have a decrease in soil pH).

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C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.

Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868


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