Gypsum
Also known as: Gypsum, Calcium sulfate, Gypsum rock, Selenite, Calcium sulfate dihydrate
Overview
Gypsum, or calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O), is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen. It is commonly found in sedimentary deposits and is utilized in various sectors including agriculture for soil improvement and construction for plaster and drywall. In agriculture, gypsum enhances soil structure by reducing compaction, improving aeration, and providing essential nutrients like calcium and sulfur, which are vital for plant growth. It is also notably used in mushroom cultivation to improve substrate quality and prevent clumping during growth. While the research on gypsum is well-established for its agricultural benefits, evidence supporting its role in human health is limited and predominantly anecdotal.
Benefits
Gypsum is known for several key benefits in agriculture and mushroom cultivation. In agricultural settings, it improves soil fertility, enhances crop yields, and increases water retention. For mushroom cultivation, gypsum conditions the substrate, enriching it with necessary minerals and maintaining a balanced pH, which is crucial for optimal growth. Systematic reviews and studies indicate that gypsum significantly influences vadose water chemistry, positively impacting crop health. However, there is limited data on effect sizes related to human health contexts, making its benefits in this area largely unverified.
How it works
In agricultural applications, gypsum works by improving soil structure through the addition of calcium and sulfur. This enhances the soil's ability to retain water and reduces compaction, which facilitates root growth and improves crop yield. The availability of sulfur also plays a role in enzymatic functions crucial for plant growth. There is limited understanding of how gypsum interacts with human body systems as it is not used as a supplement in health contexts.
Side effects
Gypsum is generally recognized as safe when utilized appropriately in agriculture and construction. However, its safety profile for human supplementation is not well-documented. There are no known common side effects or contraindications related to agricultural use. Importantly, it is not recommended for ingestion without professional guidance due to insufficient evidence regarding its effects on human health. Special populations have not been identified, and thus there are no specific concerns noted for human health. In terms of drug interactions, there are no documented interactions when used correctly in agricultural applications.
Dosage
Specific dosage guidelines for gypsum as a human health supplement have not been established due to a lack of clinical research. Optimal and maximum safe doses remain undefined, and it is primarily used in agriculture and construction fields. As there is no evidence supporting supplementation, further research is needed to understand any potential human health applications or dosage requirements.
FAQs
Can gypsum be ingested for health benefits?
Gypsum is not recommended for ingestion to improve health due to a lack of clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in humans.
What are the primary uses of gypsum?
Gypsum is primarily used in agriculture to improve soil structure and fertility, and in mushroom cultivation to optimize substrate conditions.
Is there a risk of side effects from gypsum?
Gypsum is considered safe in its agricultural applications, but potential side effects or risks from human consumption have not been accurately assessed.
How does gypsum affect soil?
Gypsum improves soil aeration, reduces compaction, and provides essential nutrients like calcium and sulfur, which enhance plant growth.
What is the difference between gypsum and plaster of Paris?
Gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate, while plaster of Paris is calcium sulfate hemihydrate, used primarily in construction and art.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30272800/ – This meta-analysis evaluated gypsum's impact on agricultural practices across multiple field sites in the U.S., showing significant improvements in water chemistry and soil conditions when gypsum was applied.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326792709_Meta-Analysis_of_Gypsum_Effects_on_Crop_Yields_and_Chemistry_of_Soils_Plant_Tissues_and_Vadose_Water_at_Various_Research_Sites_in_the_USA – Another comprehensive meta-analysis confirming that gypsum significantly affects soil chemistry, thereby enhancing crop yields, although it primarily focused on agricultural rather than health applications.
- https://urban-farm-it.com/products/gypsum-substrate-supplement – This product description outlines gypsum's role in mushroom cultivation, emphasizing its benefits in improving substrate texture while providing essential minerals.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37182743/ – Research showing the function of gypsum in promoting optimal nutrient availability in agricultural soils, supporting its established benefits in farming practices.
