I recently learned that avocado growers often dump a lot of gypsum around their trees. Then I also heard that some people, when they plant their avocados, mix in 50% gypsum with the topsoil to improve drainage. So I started reading up on the topic and discovered some articles saying gypsum can benefit ALL fruit trees, and it is good to apply some to every fruit tree once a year.
Anyone here tried using gypsum this way, for avocados specifically or fruit trees generally? What were your results? Do you think it really has the benefits attributed to it?
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The majority of plants benefit from calcium. It is what makes up cellular walls, gives strength to tissues, and is a major part of a plant’s defense system. It depends on the soil for if any needs to be added. Some soils have plenty of calcium but it may not be plant available.
Gypsum is more readily available than say lime or bone meal because of the acidic component with the sulfur. It has a life of about 90 days depending on the form you use.
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great info, thanks. You have persuaded me to order a bag of it to use on my trees!
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Maybe get the soil test first to make sure you really need it. Better yet get leaves tested -things I need to do but haven’t!!
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On certain types of clays it also contributes to decompaction and makes the soil more open, but this doesn’t work on all clay soils, only sodic clays
Humic acid is apparently quite effective at breaking up clay soils of almost all chemistries
I know farmers that use it for that purpose that vouch for it’s use which holds sway in my opinion
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What State & soil type?
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) is (7.4pH) with a maximum saturation point of (0.24%) dissolved.
It neutralizes the pH.
Calcium is needed for 8 different Auxin Transport Proteins.
Sulfur is needed for many critical proteins & enzymes in plants.
It’s generally safe to use.
Calcium tends to shorten internode length, increase branch diameter & increase lateral branching.
Calcium ensures Calcium Pectate in the cell walls of fruits preventing bitterpit & higher active Auxin levels at the blossom end of fruits preventing blossom and rot.
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