Gypsum is often promoted as a soil amendment that improves soil health, provides essential nutrients like calcium and sulfur and helps reduce phosphorus runoff. But does it actually lead to better crop yields in Ohio?
While gypsum does increase sulfur levels in soil and plant biomass, studies show that its impact on crop yields has been inconsistent. Fields already receiving organic fertilizers like manure, see little to no yield benefit. Similarly, using gypsum for soil balancing – adjusting calcium and magnesium ratios has not demonstrated significant improvements in crop production. However, gypsum's impact has been noticeable in improving water quality particularly by reducing phosphorus runoff, which could help protect Ohio’s waterways.
So, is gypsum worth the investment for Ohio farmers? The answer depends on soil conditions, crop needs, and targeted benefits. To dive deeper into the research findings and explore whether gypsum is the right fit for your farm, read the full article here: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0153
Authors: Naiima Abdi, Valeria Moreira, Aline de Camargo Santos, and Manbir Rakkar.