Gypsum Application

With spring approaching, the window of opportunity for natural moisture to aid in the flushing of salt (mainly sodium, Na+) build up in the soils is quickly closing.  Spring in Southern California means the end of the "rainy season" and prelude to the summer heat.  With rain scheduled for Thursday evening through Saturday morning we are going to take advantage of the opportunity to complete one of our gypsum applications.  Please do not fret, the small pebbles seen on the fairway post application are not rocks and will not damage your club.  The particle will quickly soften and "melt down" with moisture and should not be noticeable within a few days.  Applying Gypsum (CaSO4) is a standard practice of applying Calcium to the soil at most golf facilities located in the southwest region of the country.  Typically multiple applications are required due to the slow breakdown of the product within the soil.  A high percentage of Calcium is not readily available and I consider this as a chronic management technique (gradual/slow, long term/long haul treatment) for addressing a sodium related soil issue.  It is one of many techniques utilized within our management system.