Use of gypsum on soil where needed can make agriculture more sustainable

Abstract

Agriculture has failed to be sustainable several times in the history of the world because of soil failure (Rush, 1987). Irrigated soil eventually leads to sodicity and salinity unless extreme care is taken. Gypsum is a key ingredient for the maintenance of agriculture on many soils. Waste‐product gypsum is available in a large number of locations at very little or no cost. Advantages of gypsum in addition to prevention and correction of sodicity include greater stability of soil organic matter, more stable soil aggregates, improved water penetration into soil, and more rapid seed emergence. Gypsum and water‐soluble polymers magnify the value of each other. Together they have an important role in making a better environment, especially for growing plants.