Gypsoil (Gypsum)
Overview
Gypsum is an essential mineral for the sustainability of most irrigated soils and a key material used in various building materials. Gypsum is available from three main sources: natural gypsum, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and recycled gypsum.
GYPSOIL brand gypsum has the exact same chemical composition as mined gypsum but it is typically more pure than mined gypsum.
How is it Generated?
FGD technology is commonly used in industries such as coal-fired power plants, cement plants, chemical manufacturing plants, and oil refineries to remove sulfur dioxide emissions from flue gas
Beneficial Reuse
Gypsum is used across several applications including agriculture, building materials, and waste management.
Agricultural
Farms use of gypsum to improve soil structure and nutrient availability results in per-acre economic benefits.
- Increases yield due to calcium and sulfur
- Reduces runoff and soil erosion
- Provides better drainage, improves water penetration and promotes workability
- Enhances root system, promotes flocculation and reduces aluminum toxicity
- Improves nitrogen retention
- Helps neutralize soil acidity
Building Materials
Gypsum can be used to produce high-quality, fire-resistant, soundproof building materials.
- Substitute for virgin gypsum in drywall
- Cement additive due to fire-resistant attributes
All Other
Waste management
- Works as a stabilizing agent for hazardous waste, reduces leaching and immobilizes contaminants so it’s safer for disposal
Water treatment
- Reduces levels of heavy metals, phosphorus and other contaminants
Mining
- Used as backfill material for filling and stabilizing underground mine voids, thank to its high compressive strength and low permeability
Animal Bedding
- Prohibits bacteria growth to decrease exposure to environmental pathogens, providing optimum comfort and hygiene in bedding applications
Application Rates
Rates depend on the soil environment and a variety of factors. Typical rates are 300 to 500 lbs. per acre for fertility purposes and one to two tons per acre for soil amendment.
For soil amendment, the rates depends on the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) levels and various other factors including cropping history, drainage, soil type and management goals. The following rates are basic recommendations based on CEC:
| CEC | Rate |
|---|---|
| < 10 | 0.5 T/A |
| 10-15 | 1.0 T/A |
| > 15 | 2.0 T/A |
