With numerous agricultural benefits and a high return on investment of $1.68 for every $1 spent, agri gypsum is one of the most popular soil amendments available. This all-natural soil remedy has been supporting soil health for decades—and in this blog, we’re here to explore some of the interesting facts about this powerful soil input.
In this short blog with Norstar Agriculture, we’ll be exploring a few fascinating facts about agri gypsum—and where we come in. Let’s dive in.
#1: It’s Been Used For Centuries
Since antiquity, many civilizations have relied on gypsum for countless uses. Not only for soil health, but also for building materials, roads, and more. Egyptians were one of the first groups to widely use gypsum 5,000 years ago, heating and adding water to it to create plaster. This plaster was used in the architecture of cultural landmarks, including tombs and even the pyramids!
The ancient Romans also utilized gypsum for centuries, incorporating it into altars, temples, and other monuments. One of the first Western mainstream agricultural movements was led by Benjamin Franklin, who referred to it as ‘land plaster’. He was said to have conducted early field trials with agri-gypsum, yielding excellent results.
#2: It’s a Winning Agricultural Combination
Unlike other soil conditioners, which may not be compatible with each other, agri gypsum can be used in conjunction with several inputs, including humic acid. Humic acid works as a catalyst for naturally occurring organic matter, supporting nutrient uptake with its CEC sites. Agri gypsum works effectively with this, utilizing available sources of calcium and sulphur.
However, it’s important to understand that while these two field amendments can excel together, that doesn’t mean it’s right for every field. For best results, seek out a professional crop consultant, such as Norstar Agriculture, for personalized guidance.
#3: It Originates in Caves, Mines, & Caverns
Did you know that most of North America’s agri gypsum is mined from ancient sediment rock layers? Similar to many other soil amendments, agri gypsum is made from completely organic materials. Gypsum is formed underground over millions of years. When seawater evaporates, it leaves behind mineral-rich deposits. Gypsum is then mined from these deposits, where it’s used for a wide variety of uses. Some of the other minerals often found in the same layers as gypsum include shale, limestone, and dolostone.
At Norstar Agriculture, our primary source of agri gypsum is from recycled drywall, which originally gets its gypsum from mined deposits. We take damaged boards that aren’t fit for construction and process them into a fine powder perfect for agricultural use. We do sell organic gypsum fresh out of the mine as well. However, our primary, more cost-effective source is the recycled gypsum. Norstar Gypsum meets agricultural safety standards and does not contain lead paint, arsenic, or other harmful heavy metals that could pose risks to plants, soils, or human health.
#4: A Sulphur Source For Better Yields
Agri gypsum is prized for two key nutrients: calcium and sulphur. Among these, sulphur plays an essential role in plant formation. With sulphur deficiency becoming an increasingly common issue in the prairies, the readily available source of sulphur in agri gypsum has become an invaluable nutrient source.
Sulphur is essential for healthy crop formation and is used in the formulation of amino acids, which ultimately build protein. It’s also required for chlorophyll production. Without a sufficient sulphur source, crops can appear wilted or lack a vibrant green colour. Norstar Agriculture’s Nor-Gyp soil amendment offers a high concentration of 14% sulphur. This amendment is an ideal source of immediately available sulphur in nutrient-deficient soils.
Your Reliable Partner in Soil Restoration
Understanding the benefits of agri gypsum is just the start; learning what your soil truly needs comes next. For over a decade, Norstar Agriculture has been serving farmers across the prairies with formative, holistic field solutions. From Alberta to Saskatchewan and Manitoba, reach out to us today to learn more about booking our appointment with one of our agronomists.
