Agri gypsum is a widely used soil amendment that’s helped farmers revitalize their soil for generations. Though effective, agri gypsum is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every field. Knowing when to use it will save you both time and money for the growing season.
While soil testing is the most conclusive way to determine your field’s health, there are still a few common indicators. Follow along with us at Norstar Agriculture as we explore a few key indicators below that suggest your soil may benefit from agri gypsum.
#1: Compacted Looking Soil on the Surface
Healthy agricultural soil is porous and composed of loose layers. This soil is ideal for crop growth, with consistent aggregation clusters throughout layers of the soil. Soil aggregation supports root growth and seed germination by creating pores for air pockets and water filtration.
Highly compacted soil prevents proper root development in plants, hindering them from receiving the necessary nutrients and water to grow optimally. Agri gypsum contains both sulphate and calcium ions, which break up the soil and bind excess cations to move out of the soil. With excess cations removed from the soil, the soil is able to aggregate and have space between the molecules.
#2: Visible White Salt Crusts or Spots
Patches of white crusting often accompany compacted soil, and are hallmark indicators of high soil salinity. If you’re able to see this sodium accumulation at the soil’s surface, that’s a sign of a chemical imbalance in the soil. Over time, as water naturally evaporates, it will leave sodium remaining at the surface. Agri gypsum adds an available source of calcium into the soil, which effectively displaces these weakly bound sodium ions. Instead, calcium replaces sodium in soil particles and promotes an open, aerated soil structure.
#3: Less Productive Zones
If you’ve noticed certain field plots continually perform poorly season after season, that’s a sign to look closer at soil nutrient balance. While professional soil testing is the only way to tell, the reason for these underproductive areas may be due to calcium deficiency.
As seasons pass, calcium is mined out of the soil as it’s used up, leading to a deficiency if not replenished. In cases of severe calcium deficiency, we may recommend applying a combination of both cement kiln dust (CKD) and agri gypsum. While doing so heavily depends on other variables like pH, these treatments can work in conjunction with one another. This combination helps improve long-term calcium availability while also supporting shorter-term nutrient uptake.
#4: Yellowing, Weaker Crop Yields
If whatever new growth does emerge from these areas is noticeably yellow or frail, your soil may have an essential nutrient deficiency. While this could be due to a lack of nutrients like nitrogen or iron, stunted new growth often points to sulphur.
In plants, sulphur is essential for several processes—starting from germination to maturation. During photosynthesis, sulphur is necessary for enzyme activation and the production of chlorophyll-producing amino acids. But when sulphur isn’t present, this process slows dramatically. The result? A substantially weaker crop colour and less growth of leaves.
Stronger Soil, Better Yields with Norstar Agriculture
At Norstar Agriculture, we believe that better, higher-quality yields are attainable with the right soil care. Our NOR-Gypsoil amendment revitalizes fields, and it is a substantial source of essential nutrients, including Calcium (22%) and Sulphur (14%). With several available formulations, including prilled, organic, recycled wallboard, and microcal options, we’re sure to have the right agri gypsum for your fields.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your fields, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today! Our local agronomists travel throughout the Canadian prairies to bring comprehensive, science-backed soil solutions to your farm.
