Winstone Gypellets™ granulated gypsum is a blend of finely ground gypsum (calcium sulphate) using molasses as the binder. Granules are 2-6mm in diameter and can be spread using existing fertiliser spreader equipment.

On application to the soil, the granulated gypsum granules will start to dissolve on contact with soil at good moisture levels and adequate rain or irrigation. Gypsum gets dispersed into the soil profile through the process of diffusion. Finely ground gypsum starts to work faster in the soil when compared to a 0-5mm screened gypsum application.

Gypellets™ granulated gypsum provides plants with an available source of essential calcium and sulphate sulphur in a form that is easily taken up by the plant roots. 

Role of calcium

Calcium is a key component of cell walls and membranes and is involved in many plant processes, including cell integrity, cell elongation and division, germination as well as root health and new root growth.  A continuous supply of calcium is required during crop growth as well as the elongation of plant roots.¹ ²

Role of sulphur

Sulphur is essential for nitrogen metabolism in plants, enabling the production of amino acids and proteins as well as being a constituent of certain enzymes, vitamins, and oils.³   Sulphur is involved in protein synthesis and is required for chlorophyll production.² Sulphur is stored in organic matter in the soil but can be easily leached out of the root zone. ¹ 

There is an important link between sulphur and nitrogen, which is critical for fertiliser use efficiency. Sulphur is part of an enzyme required by the plant for metabolising nitrates, a lack of it can severely hamper this process.⁸

Many sulphur fertilisers supply sulphur in the form of sulphite or elemental sulphur which must be mineralised or oxidised by soil biology to the sulphate form before it can be taken up by the crop. ² ³ 

Improving soil structure

The calcium in gypsum interacts with fine soil particles in clay soil, encouraging flocculation of particles into soil aggregates. This improves soil structure and increases aeration, water infiltration and root growth. ⁷

Correcting sodic soils

Sodic soils contain high levels of exchangeable sodium which has an adverse effect on the physical and nutritional properties of the soil, affecting growth of most crops. As the proportion of exchangeable sodium increases, the soil aggregates breakdown and become more dispersed which lowers the permeability of the soil to air and water. Dispersion also results in the formation of dense, impermeable surface crusts that hinder the emergence of seedlings.⁵                                                                                                                                                                     

Gypsum corrects sodic soils where the excess sodium interacts with the sulphate ions from Gypsum to form sodium sulphate which is then leached out from the soil.

Stimulating Soil Biology

Gypsum also increases the activity of soil biology. Earthworm activity is increased by calcium, bringing with it benefits of aeration, macropore formation and mixing of organic matter.

Soil microbes break down plant material and organic matter.  This produces glues that bind the soil particles together and stabilises soil structure.  Decomposed organic material is bound to clays via calcium.   

Micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi, which are key components of a healthy soil, drive the sulphur cycle in the soil, oxidising and mineralising nutrients that become available for plant uptake.

Benefits of Gypellets™ granulated gypsum;

·       Finely ground gypsum reacts faster in the soil when compared to a 0-5mm screened gypsum application

·       Provides essential calcium and sulphur, in the form of sulphate sulphur, suitable for plant update

·       Provides a food source to stimulate soil biology

·       pH neutral

·       Improves soil structure

·       Corrects sodic soils

Composition of Gypsum

Calcium: 23%

Sulphur:  18%

Gypellets™ granule size: 2-6mm

References

1.       The Importance of Sulfur for Corn and Soybeans | Crop Science US (bayer.us)

2.       Sulfur Fertility Management for Grain and Forage Crops (psu.edu)

3.       Agronomy Advice | Don't forget about sulphur | Yara UK

4.       Sulfur deficiency in corn can lead to lower yields | Illinois Extension | UIUC

5.       Response of Soils and Crops to Gypsum Application in Ohio | Ohioline

6.       Tim A Jenkins, Vesna Jenkins, NZ. Use of gypsum to reduce effluent and fertiliser nutrient losses to waterways Paper_Jenkins_3_2014.pdf

7.       Gypsum as an Agricultural Amendment, General Use Guidelines, Bulletin 945, Ohio State University, W A Dick, L Chen, 2011

8.       https://www.yara.co.uk/crop-nutrition/why-the-interaction-and-balance-of-nitrogen-and-sulphur-is-so-important/

9.       Nitrogen-Use Efficiency | Grow the Future | Yara UK

10.  Amazing Carbon, Dr Christien Jones: Microsoft Word - JONES-LightFarmingFINAL_2018_.doc