Buying Guide to GYP-Flo liquid Gypsum we ask all the FAQ’s and get to know more about GYP-Flo itself. We ask FAQ questions such as effects on soil Ph, application timings and frequency and much more to help inform those who are exploring the use of liquid gypsum and more specifically GYP-Flo on sports pitches. I ask Andy Church of Ultra Soil Solutions the questions l think most turf professional would want to know in there understanding of Gypsum.
Can you tell us a bit about you and GYP-Flo? Is there anything unique about it?
I started out life as an assistant Greenkeeper and moved to football, becoming the Tottenham Hotspur Head Groundsman.
Starting my own business supplying soil improvers and conditioners following 13 years at Spurs.
My association with GYP-FLO began when I was offered the product to trial in 2010. Following extensive trials with trusted Greenkeepers and Groundsman, it was clear we had a product that showed real benefits and above all, value for money
How does Gypsum work ?
Gypsum in its powdered form works by a process of ionic exchange.
Gypsum (calcium sulphate), has been traditionally used to improve the friability and structure of soils by reducing the sodium levels. The disassociation of the gypsum displaces the sodium ions from the surface of the soil particles. The sodium can then be displaced through the soil. The bound calcium allows the clay particles to link into a lattice network of particles, resulting in a more open soil structure. GYP-FLO speeds up this process.
What sports surfaces is GYP-Flo suitable and not suitable for?
GYP-FLO can be beneficial to any sports surface that has issues with poor drainage, nutrient lock up, iron clogging, poor soil structure and increased sodium (salt) levels and over use.
It can be used in cricket but I would question why you would want to. We supply many outfields, but for the square itself I would say no. The only exception would be if you were to totally renovate a section of the square, leaving it fallow for a season.
How does the calcium and sulphur affect the grass plant itself?
Both Calcium and Sulphur are essential to healthy plant development and sustainability. Sulphur is vital for plant growth as a key component of proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and chlorophyll, working closely with nitrogen to build essential amino acids like cysteine and methionine that form proteins and boost yield and quality. Calcium is vital for plant growth as it builds strong cell walls, acting as “glue” for structural integrity, improving root health, nutrient uptake, and defence against stress and disease
Are there any other benefits to using GYP-Flo other than just improved drainage?
GYP-FLO application will increase nutrient availability, reduce input costs (reduce the amount of fertilizer required), prevent cracking in dry conditions, protect against fungal attack and increase the ability of the surface to withstand heavy use.
Liquid or granular and pros and cons of each option?
GYP-FLO offers an effective way of applying large doses of Calcium Sulphate to large areas. GYP-FLO is easily available to the plant and instant in its effects, as opposed to solid forms that can take weeks / months to break down enough to be available to the plant.
With GYP-FLO + Fert
No Inputs
With Fert no GYP-FLO
A turf professional has wetting agents, soil penetrants under what category does GYP-Flo fall under?
In short GYP-FLO is in a category of its own. As I understand it there are no wetting agents that offer flocculation of the soil. Wetting agents simply make water wetter, thus pushing around the problem rather than curing the issue. Although they have their place in the extensive range of products available to the modern-day Groundsman, they are a short term (expensive) fix, not a cure.
Does soil PH affect considering using gypsum and does GYP-Flo change soil PH?
Soil PH should not be a major consideration when deciding on GYP-FLO use. Typically, GYP-FLO (calcium sulphate) will not change soil PH.
Are all Gypsum products the same?
Most definitely not! Close consideration should be paid to the particle size, availability to the plant and the percentage of calcium and sulphur in the product. If calcium and sulphur percentages are lower than natural gypsum, then don’t waste your money on them. The cost of products usually reflects the quality and quantity of the active ingredients. If a supplier cannot confirm these simple points to you, walk away.
I have heard turf professionals suggesting using lime, is that an alternative to using Gypsum?
Lime (calcium carbonate) will offer similar advantages to gypsum (calcium sulphate). The main difference is that lime will have an effect on the soil PH (it will increase). We do have a liquid lime product also; this is called PH-Plus.
When is the best time to apply GYP- Flo?
Both at the end and start of the playing season are ideal times for applying GYP-FLO. All soil types are different, so the regularity does depend on soil type and structure. We prefer to be guided by soil analysis rather than guess work. We have some customers that apply only once, some yearly and some monthly. Our experience along with clear soil analysis can guide you through the application structure.
Are there any tips or tricks for applying your products effectively inc timings to maximise efficiency?
Following aeration is always a good strategy. In advance of a storm is the perfect time to apply. The only time you should not apply is on frozen ground.
If you have a very heavy clay soil, realistically how long would it take to see the benefits of applying GYP-Flo?
The most common question we are asked is “Is there any N in GYP-FLO”? THERE IS NOT!
What you will see is a difference between plant health and a greening up, almost immediately. This is because the combination of calcium, sulphur and the release of locked up nutrients improve the plant vigour.
Andy Church of Ultra Soil Solutions
Mobile- (0)7835 066439
If you have any further questions, please reply in the comments box below.
Along with the use of products from Andy any form of aeration is also massively beneficial, for more information from our Aeration Guide HERE
Also take a look at our machinery trade page banner below, which often has a selection of aerators
5 comments
Where can we buy this from ?
Hi his mobile number and website are at the rear of the the guide above but also here is his contact page – https://www.ultrasoil.co.uk/products/gypflo
Liquid gypsum is a useful tool not only for improved water movement but also helping kick starting balance into soils that have been pushed too hard .not only do we apply on existing grass but where conditions need apply it on a boom on our power harrows and harley rake
Yes I think your right the articles says very affective applied directly to soil
Really good explanation of the benefits of using Gyp-flo. I have been using for a decade or so on pitches during the beginning of winter originally to help with flocculation of the soil, but has also been beneficial with reduction of fertiliser output and improved recovery response from the grass plant