Gypsum vs Lime for Lawns: Which Does Your Soil Need?

Wikipedia: GypsumWikipedia: Agricultural Lime
Verdict

Gypsum loosens clay soil and adds calcium without changing soil pH. Lime raises soil pH and adds calcium. These products serve different purposes. Use a soil test to determine which you need. If pH is low, use lime. If soil is compacted clay with adequate pH, use gypsum.

How Do Gypsum and Lime Compare?

Gypsum wins 3 of 5 categories. The breakdown below covers ph adjustment, clay soil improvement, calcium addition, safe for alkaline soil, sulfur content.

FactorGypsumLime
pH Adjustment
Lime raises soil pH significantly. Gypsum is pH-neutral and will not change your soil's acidity or alkalinity
2
9
Clay Soil Improvement
Gypsum's calcium and sulfur ions break apart clay particles, improving drainage and root penetration
8
4
Calcium Addition
Both provide calcium to the soil. Choose based on whether you also need pH adjustment
8
8
Safe for Alkaline Soil
Gypsum can be used on alkaline clay soils without raising pH further. Lime would make the problem worse
9
3
Sulfur Content
Gypsum provides 17% sulfur, an essential secondary nutrient for turf. Standard lime contains no sulfur
8
2

When Should You Choose Gypsum?

Choose Gypsum when you prioritize clay soil improvement, safe for alkaline soil, sulfur content. Gypsum's calcium and sulfur ions break apart clay particles, improving drainage and root penetration

  • Clay Soil Improvement: Gypsum's calcium and sulfur ions break apart clay particles, improving drainage and root penetration
  • Safe for Alkaline Soil: Gypsum can be used on alkaline clay soils without raising pH further. Lime would make the problem worse
  • Sulfur Content: Gypsum provides 17% sulfur, an essential secondary nutrient for turf. Standard lime contains no sulfur

When Should You Choose Lime?

Choose Lime when you prioritize ph adjustment. Lime raises soil pH significantly. Gypsum is pH-neutral and will not change your soil's acidity or alkalinity

  • pH Adjustment: Lime raises soil pH significantly. Gypsum is pH-neutral and will not change your soil's acidity or alkalinity

Where Are They Equal?

These 1 factors showed no meaningful difference between Gypsum and Lime.

  • Calcium Addition: Both provide calcium to the soil. Choose based on whether you also need pH adjustment

Sources

Source:Wikipedia: GypsumSource:Wikipedia: Agricultural Lime

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