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Joliet, IL

i have read on some posts it would have been better to apply and till gypsum in the fall. due to the crazy late fall cold spell, that didn't happen here for me.
will a early spring time application have any affect on the calcium availability to the plants?

also, i have read various application rates by different growers. i am sure each grower ammends and applies the amount needed based on their own soil test, but what is the average yearly application amount for us AG growers in a 500 square foot area. also, anyone know where to purchase gypsum in the winter months? should i call a any specific fertilizer dealers to have it ordered. i was thinking about asking a local nursery to make a special winter order for me so when the first good weather breaks, i can immediately get it tilled in.

all suggestions are appreciated greatly,
jeff shenoha

12/17/2005 12:53:36 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Jeff,

Apply Gypsum any time the ground isn't frozen. Though I've spread it on snow which makes for a nice even application.

Rates vary from 0-300 lbs per 1000 sq ft. This would depend on the need as indicated by soil test results.

Steve

12/17/2005 4:18:48 PM

Norton, MA

I put 400 pounds on my 1200 sq. ft. patch last march. It had a huge affect on my calcium by this fall, and so I assume it started working immediately. I will be putting that or more on this spring also as it's cheap. Most feed stores and Home Depot's have it, or can get it in a few days. AleX Noel.

12/17/2005 6:58:39 PM

Joliet, IL

thanx guys,
shazzy

12/21/2005 6:05:51 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Steve, any guidelines as to what the optimum levels...per soil test...should be? I know this is a very generalized question, that there is not a set answer for...can you put a ballpark figure on it? Thanks...Peace, Wayne

12/21/2005 9:58:15 PM

Roselle, IL GJGEM@sbcglobal.net

Shoot for 3000ppm / a calcium to magnesium ratio of 5 to 1

12/22/2005 9:16:56 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Jeff, These applications in my view are dependant on several factors. PH, %OM, Ca, Mg, Ratios and CEC. I believe problems are possible without closely monitoring all six of these main components. High OM, leads to danger with ph levels above 6.5 on such soils. Ca gets tied up on cation sites. Combined with flucuations of soil moisture even excessive gypsum applications may not be enough to stem the splits.....

Consult A & L in London ON, Canada. for a better expanation than I can provide.

For more information please contact

Ian Mclachlin, Director of Agronomy

mclachlin@alcanada.com

12/22/2005 9:54:24 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

I use 100-200 lbs of gypsum on 500 sq. ft, incorporated in the fall. Early spring would probably be alright, too. I've heard numbers more like 8 to 1 or 10 to 1 on the Cal Mag ratio...

12/22/2005 10:01:44 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Wayne,

"Optimum" levels are available for many field crops. But I am hesitant to make those recommendation for Giants. I've tested soils for a lot of Heavy Hitters & the rersults have ranged from 1000-3000+ lbs per acre.

Some soil scientists still adhere to Albrecht's rules of balance with respect to Cation Nutrients. I do not so long as all of the plants minimum needs are being met.

The minimum need for Giants therefore seems to be around 1000-1500 lbs per acre or 2-3000 PPM. However since Giants won't "luxury feed" on Calcium more than that doesn't psoe a problem.

Steve

12/22/2005 12:23:10 PM

Canada

Ive a 50 lb bag of Gypsum and also and 50 lb bag of Kelp and Greensand, I'll be adding about 15 lbs of each of to my 10x20 patch a month before planting

Dave

1/22/2006 1:14:31 AM