Thread: Gypsum
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Old 30-07-2006, 07:40 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Chris Hogg Chris Hogg is offline
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Default Gypsum

On 29 Jul 2006 20:17:16 GMT, (Nick Maclaren) wrote:


In article ,
"herman" writes:
|
| I've read that Gypsum is the best material for breaking down clay soil.
| But! Where can one buy it? Garden centres try to sell their own
| alternatives and builders supplies have never heard of it.

Well, it is doubtfully effective, but it is the principle component of
building plaster.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.


Why do you say 'doubtfully effective'? I'm puzzled. Gypsum is slightly
more soluble than hydrated lime (0.223% cf. 0.185% at 0C), and
supplies calcium ions to flocculate the clay particles just as lime
does. I would have thought it would be just as effective. You know
different? Or are you suggesting lime isn't very effective either?


--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net