Soil management: Gypsum vs limestone

In agricultural management, gypsum and limestone play distinct and complementary roles in soil correction, being essential to ensure the healthy development of crops. Although both provide Calcium, their functions and effects on the soil are different, requiring strategic application according to the need of the crop and the root profile of the plants. According to Rafael Barboza, an expert in major crops, agricultural gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) provides calcium and sulfur, does not alter the pH of the soil and has high solubility, with predominant action in subsurface layers. It helps to reduce aluminum toxicity (Al³+) and improves the soil profile, favoring root growth. On the other hand, agricultural limestone (CaCO3 / MgCO3) provides calcium and/or magnesium, raises the pH of the soil and corrects acidity, but has low solubility, acting mainly in the surface layer. It is essential for the balance of bases and for increasing base saturation (V%). Despite both containing calcium, ...