Liquid Gypsum - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I use Liquid "Gypsum" (LG)?
A. LG softens hard, clay and compacted soils, removes salts, improves water drainage and prevents “cracking” during dry spells. Via almost immediate flocculation, LG helps eliminate standing water, creates air spaces for plant roots to grow and allows soil to store more water for plant use. Plant leaf chlorosis can be minimized and soil erosion on slopes can be controlled. LG also helps promote growth when used before installing new sod, seed or plants.
Q. How does LG compare to traditional dry gypsum?
A. LG works much faster (days compared to months or years), takes less labor and time to apply, is lighter-weight to shipand use, will not blow away because it does not require tilling and does not create a build-up of white layer in the soil. Just 32oz.= 200 lbs. of dry gypsum. You do not need to use dry gypsum with LG, but it is OK to use LG if dry already isused.
Q. How is LG applied in the landscape?
A. LG is easily applied using a common hose-end applicator or a pump pressure sprayer. Commercial applications may also utilize fertigation units, tank sprayers or drip systems.
Q. When is the best time of year to apply LG?
A. Any time of year is good. It is especially effective in spring and summer (growing seasons).
Q. How often do I need to apply LG and how fast can I expect to see improvements?
A. Most soils only require one yearly application, see immediate improvement within seven days and continued improvement over time. Expect results to last up to two years, though a soil evaluation after a year is recommended. Even the worst clay or sodium-damaged soils see significant improvement after three monthly applications and can be re-mediated within a year.
Q. Is LG hazardous to people, pets, environment, building exteriors or hard-scape?
A. No. LG is non-toxic and non-staining. It is composed of mostly organic products.
Q. Can I mix LG with liquid fertilizer?
A. No. LG is not compatible with liquid NPK fertilizers. LG must NOT be tank mixed with any other product that contains sulfates or phosphates, as it will reduce the effectiveness of LG.
Q. Can I apply liquid or granular fertilizer before or after using LG?
A. Yes. LG also works very well when incorporated with organic soil amendments.
Q. Can LG be used on food-bearing plants and trees?
A. Yes. It is not hazardous to plant leaves and generally improves the quality of food-bearers.
Q. Is LG a concentrate and is it completely water soluble?
A. Yes. LG is very concentrated and should be mixed with water so that only 32 oz. will treat 1,000 sq. ft. (see application instructions). LG is completely water soluble, which is why it can be easily used in sprayer and drip applications and does not cause any build-up in soil profile.
Q. What happens when it rains or the ground freezes after I’ve applied LG?
A. No adverse effect. After rain LG will move deeper, resulting in continued drainage improvement and penetration. LG will not be washed away or broken down by irrigation or rain, nor will it create soggy soil. After freezing, LG will reconstitute its original concentration and effectiveness. LG has a lower freezing point than water. If LG is present, frozen soil will thaw faster by several days and ice build-up can be prevented because snow will melt faster.
Q. How does reclaimed or recycled water work with LG?
A. Same as with fresh water. Because it breaks down salts in the soil, LG creates workable growing conditions despite the high saline levels in reclaimed and recycled water.
Q. What is the shelf life of LG after purchase?
A. LG should be effective for a minimum of 5 years after purchase.