Beneficial Reuse Management (BRM) has introduced Gypsoil Blendable, a new high-quality pelleted gypsum fertilizer that supplies 17% sulfate sulfur and 21% calcium. 

“Gypsoil Blendable is a pH-neutral pellet that won’t acidify soils like some other sulfate sulfur sources, yet it is readily available to the crop,” says BRM’s Steve Musser who oversees the company’s pelletizing operations. This spring, BRM completed construction on a new $4.5 million plant in Winona, Minn., where the new product is manufactured. 

Gypsoil conducted formal market research and worked with the University of Minnesota Duluth to create a gypsum pellet with the specific handling and dissolution characteristics desired by fertilizer distributers and retailers. 

“Gypsoil Blendable  was engineered to deliver a superior gypsum pellet that is easy to blend, store and apply in all weather conditions,” Musser says. “It is similar in solubility to potash, and customers say it is easier to handle compared to some other pelleted gypsum products.” 

Crop growers are seeking high quality and cost-effective crop nutrients to maximize productivity and crop quality despite a tight economic environment, says Musser. New soil test survey results from the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) indicate sulfur deficiencies are found in soil tests across many Midwestern states. In Wisconsin, for example, 81% of soil tests studied in IPNI’s 2015 survey were found to be low in sulfur.

“Gypsum is one of the most cost-effective sources of sulfur available,” Musser says, noting that corn, soybeans and alfalfa need sulfur to grow and develop to their genetic potential.

“Calcium also contributes excellent crop productivity by improving soil structure and contributing to cell wall and root function,” he adds.