Add sulfur

GYPSOIL brand gypsum adds sulfur to the soil and it provides highly available calcium that moves deep into the soil profile, a recognized advantage for no-tillers.

Typical Analysis
Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate
(dry weight basis)
Calcium  17-20 %
Sulfur     13-16 %

Researchers in Wisconsin, Ohio and other Midwestern states are reporting sulfur deficiency is on the rise.  A recent annual summary by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) also suggests that soil tests with low sulfur results are becoming more common in the Cornbelt today versus five years ago. 

In the past, adequate sulfur was supplied in the atmosphere. Electrical plants that burned coal released sulfur into the air and every time it rained, nearby farmland was received sulfur. Also, some nitrogen fertilizers contained excess sulfur so fields got a dose of sulfur with those applications. With clean air regulations came the wider use of flue gas desulfurization systems  and greener fertilizers, along with the fact that many of today’s crop genetics may have a higher sulfur requirement, sulfur deficiency is more common.

Gypsum, used as a sulfur source, raises yields in a variety of crops including corn, alfalfa, cotton, soybeans and others.

Studies at the Ohio State University have demonstrated a significant corn response to gypsum.  In one particular study, where gypsum supplied sulfur at a rate of 30 lbs/acre, corn yield was increased from 182 to 193 bushels/acre. Watch a video of Dr. Warren Dick discuss sulfur and gypsum.

OSU researchers have also observed increases in alfalfa yield due to gypsum applications.  Cumulative 2000-2002 data from OSU shows an 18 percent increase in alfalfa tonnage in a gypsum-treated field vs. the control with no gypsum.

Earlier work reported in the Agronomy Journal has also shown positive yield impact from use of gypsum.

Soil scientists at Ohio State University have completed a comprehensive field guide on the use and benefits of gypsum. To learn more click here.