Agricultural or solution? When reading marketing literature about gypsum, we often see gypsum referred to as solution grade gypsum. This product is primarily targeted for the irrigation market. Is solution grade gypsum any different than conventional gypsum?
Gypsum is sold as either powdered ag-gyp or pelletized gypsum. However, ag-gyp can be marketed as a regular commodity, or it can be processed and screened so that it solubilizes in water and can be put through irrigation systems, including drip systems, sprinklers and sprayers.
Solution grade gypsum has to have a purity of 95%. Impurities (other minerals) in mined gypsum could impact solubility as well as plug orifices. It also has to be screened with a mesh finer than 300. A typical analysis is that 100% passes through 100 mesh, nearly 100% passes through 200 mesh, and 95% passes through 300 mesh.
The high purity and fine grind of solution grade gypsum allow it to be applied through sprayers, irrigation or top dressed or spread and incorporated in the soil. Its purity and solubility (fineness of grind) increases in solubility and mobility in the soil and keeping calcium and sulfur levels readily available to plant roots and soil microbes. It is more reactive, and you can apply less often than regular ag-gyp.
Solution grade gypsum costs more to process than conventional ag-gyp because of it fine grind and high purity. But these two features provide these additional benefits:
- Faster water penetration and retention
- Use in sprinkler, drip, flood, furrow or pivot irrigation systems
Solution grade, like conventional ag-gyp and pelletized gypsum will:
- Improve soil tilth
- Remediate sodic soils
- Increase nutrients availability in the soil
- Help remediate salinity
- Supply calcium and sulfur
Remember, solution-grade gypsum is primarily targeted for the irrigation market when fineness of grind and purity are important. For the regular agriculture market when material is broadcast, conventional ag-gyp or pelletized gypsum work just fine.
While both solution grade and conventional gypsum provide essential nutrients, solution grade gypsum is particularly valuable for specific agricultural needs, especially where irrigation is involved. Its fine grind and high purity allow for quicker dissolution and easier application in fertigation systems, where nutrients are applied through irrigation water. This makes it an ideal choice for regions relying on precise nutrient management, like those with limited water or specific crop requirements.
One of the key advantages of solution-grade gypsum is its ability to move rapidly through irrigation systems, including sprinklers, drip systems, and flood irrigation. This means that nutrients like calcium and sulfur are delivered directly to the plant’s root zone, ensuring more efficient uptake. With its increased solubility, it helps maintain balanced calcium and sulfur levels in the soil, promoting healthy root growth and better nutrient absorption.
Solution-grade gypsum also helps reduce clogging in irrigation systems, a common issue with lower-purity gypsum or other soil amendments. Its fine mesh ensures smooth flow through equipment, reducing maintenance and downtime. While it comes at a higher cost due to the extra processing, the benefits it provides in terms of water efficiency, nutrient delivery, and soil health make it a valuable investment for precision farming operations.
Dr. Davidson posts articles on soil management and gypsum-related subjects. If you have suggestions for topics or questions, feel free to contact him at djdavidson@goodearthminerals.net or call 402-649-5919.
