Agricultural gypsum powder is a finely ground form of gypsum, a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O). It's commonly used as a soil amendment in agriculture to improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and water management.
- Aggregation: Gypsum helps to aggregate soil particles, creating a more porous structure. This enhances water infiltration, reduces runoff, and promotes better aeration.
- Root penetration: The improved soil structure allows for deeper root penetration, enabling plants to access nutrients and water more effectively.
- Calcium and sulfur: Gypsum provides essential nutrients, calcium and sulfur, which are vital for plant growth and development.
- Nutrient uptake: Gypsum can help to improve the availability of other nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, by facilitating their uptake by plant roots.
- Sodium displacement: Gypsum can help to displace sodium ions in the soil, reducing salinity levels. This is particularly beneficial in areas with saline soils, as excessive salinity can hinder plant growth.
- Water infiltration: Gypsum's ability to improve water infiltration can help to reduce water loss through runoff and deep percolatio
- Drought tolerance: By enhancing water retention and availability, gypsum can help plants to better withstand drought conditions.
- Aggregation: The aggregated soil structure helps to prevent the formation of hard crusts on the soil surface, which can hinder seedling emergence and reduce water infiltration.
- Reducing erosion: Gypsum can help to reduce soil erosion by improving soil stability and water infiltration.
- Improving soil fertility: Gypsum can contribute to overall soil fertility by providing essential nutrients and improving soil structure.