Gypsum improves and maintains the health and hardwearing properties of amenity turf by improving soil structure and supplying calcium and sulphur, both essential plant nutrients.

 

Soil

The most significant problem for most amenity turf situations is the compaction of the underlying soil that arises from heavy foot traffic. A compacted soil leads to slow growth by impeding root penetration and results in slow recovery from traffic damage. It also reduces drainage in wet weather as the surface is prone to flooding and water tends to runs off rather than penetrate through to the roots. In addition, during winter, a turf prone to waterlogging is less resistant to scuffing as it regains firmness more slowly after rainfall so foot-traffic and mower damage is exacerbated.

Regular applications of gypsum onto turf improves soil structure, drainage and alleviates compaction. Gypsum is best applied following physical soil-aeration treatments (coring, verti-draining, vibra-moling etc) but can be sprinkled on at any time. The pH of gypsum is neutral so application rates can be quite high especially in areas having particularly acute soil problems.

Regular gypsum applications can minimise the ingress of shallow rooting Poa grasses and weed species. Conveniently, 1 kg of gypsum has a volume of about 1 litre so it is easy to use a volume measure.

 

Nutrition

Rapid growth of turf for high health and quick repair requires the nutritional needs of turf to be supplied with fertiliser applications. Golf Course Sulphur is important for the production of green, protein-rich leaves while calcium is important for plant health. As the leaves of the sward are regularly removed by mowing, the levels of calcium and sulphur need to be maintained at high levels. Used as a fertiliser, gypsum application rates will be lower than when used to remedy a severe soil condition. As a guide, apply gypsum at 1Kg/5m2 broadcast onto the turf surface at regular intervals during the year to take advantage of the electrolyte effect of gypsum. This will minimise the dispersion of clay particles but lasts only while the gypsum is present on the surface.

Gypsum increases soil microbial activity and encourages earth worms, speeding up the decomposition of organic matter. Where clippings are mulched and left on the turf rather than being removed, regular applications of gypsum will help speed up their breakdown and the eventual return of organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Gypsum is a natural, pH neutral, non-toxic mineral that is certified for use in organic production. Even when applied at high levels it will not damage animals, soil or plants.

 

Application of gypsum to turf improves

  • Playability of winter sports fields
  • Trafficability of lawns (especially after rain)
  • Durability of racetracks
  • Seedbed conditions for new turf
  • Efficiency of irrigation
  • Oxygen supply to roots
  • Plant health, growth and repair rates

 

Copyright and Disclaimer Statement