Soil Conditioners
The most common use of soil conditioners is to improve soil structure. The use of gypsum, for example, to break up sodic, compacted soils will alter the physical structure of the soil, but that is only part of the effect. The minerals and nutrients within all of our soil conditioners actively affect and contribute to properties such as soil pH balance, the release and availability of nutrients, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and friability.
Our Gypsum. We supply bulk gypsum from several sources so for reference we use the Victorian standards for grading where gypsum purity is calculated from Sulphur content. We compliment this grading system by offering the vast majority of our gypsum as a ‘Premium’ Grade which has a minimum purity of 90%.
BULK NATURAL GYPSUM
As a soil conditioner, gypsum can be used to increase the friability of sodic and compacted clay soils. By definition these soils also have a high salinity content. It is the calcium in gypsum which replaces both the sodium and the magnesium attached to soil colloids which in turn loosens the compaction and allows better drainage. This then allows the excess sodium and magnesium to be leached away. Unlike lime, gypsum has little effect on soil pH. As a fertiliser, gypsum will aid soil balance and CEC, and add exchangeable Calcium and Sulphur which are both vital for cell division, root growth and the production of chlorophyll. We supply a variety of screened options suitable for both agricultural use and civil works. Sizing and analysis reports are available for all of our gypsum products.
BULK RECYCLED GYPSUM
Recycled gypsum is crushed plasterboard, or gyprock, which is paint, nail and rubble free. While being of a comparable quality to Premium Grade natural gypsum, it is cheaper and has several advantages over the natural product. Due to the gypsum being ground extremely fine for the production of plasterboard, it can be absorbed and broken down quicker meaning a later application than natural gypsum is possible. Boron has also been added which is a natural aid to the movement and distribution of the calcium content. Again, we can offer several sizing options to suit your requirements.
BULK LIME
Lime is used as a soil conditioner for its rich source of Calcium and its ability to reduce soil acidity. This will improve nutrient balance and availability, improve soil structure and reduce the likelihood of Aluminium and Manganese toxicity which can occur with a low pH. Our premium quality Lime has an extremely high neutralising value and purity meaning less tonnage and therefore a better bottom line. We can also supply Liquid Lime.
Aglime Particle Size: 100% less than 850 micron
Superfine Particle Size: 95% less than 250 micron
BULK DOLOMITE
Dolomite is Calcium and Magnesium carbonate and is used to increase the pH in acidic soils where extra magnesium is required. It can also help to break up clay soils due to its calcium content. Australian dolomite has a high calcium and magnesium content equal to around 95% carbonate with a neutralising value of around 100%. As with lime, it is quite slow acting and is supplied finely ground to increase the uptake. The advantage of this is that it can be applied with organic matter such as Humates without decreasing the benefits of the organic content.
BULK NATURAL HUMATES
Humate is quite simply the king of all soil conditioners. Formed as peat from decomposed forests and plants became more and more compressed, Australian humate contains almost 60% concentrated organic matter. This alone makes it the best product available for increasing your organic matter content and CEC. Of equal importance is the high level of Humic acid. This is an impressive chelate, holding on to plant-available nutrients from any added fertiliser, including synthetic Nitrogen and Phosphate products, keeping these nutrients available for longer by preventing leaching and slowing nitrogen losses. It can hold up to 60% water and will improve clay soils by forcing apart compacted molecules.
*Please be aware that the product analysis linked from this page are actual analysis of products we supply from specific locations. Depending on your location, different products of similar analysis may be offered to keep cartage costs down. Analysis are available for every product we supply – do not hesitate to ask.