Potential Benefits From the Land Application of Gypsum to Arkansas Soils.

Surface soil crusting is a common phenomenon in the silt loam soils in eastern Arkansas. Farmers normally use mechanical means or may irrigate to “break” this crust and allow seed germination. Cotton farmers may “seed drop,” the practice of placing 3-4 seeds together, to facilitate seed emergence. But with the increasing price of seed and fuel, added to concerns about water quantity, there is a need to find alternative practices. Another issue that may impair the ability of Arkansas farmers to optimize yields is subsoil acidity (30 cm deep). This condition does not allow for proper root development, resulting in crops being abnormally sensitive to moisture variability in the top 30 cm of soil. Gypsum is a well known anti-crusting agent and its potential use is being investigated in Arkansas. The effect of gypsum to alleviate aluminum toxicity is also the subject of study. Results of current research efforts will be discussed.