Applied 40 lb gypsum across 1,000 sq ft of calcareous clay (pH 7.9, OM 3.1%) to shift the Ca:Na balance and improve infiltration, and the neighbor asked if I was seasoning the yard for a cookout. Anyone else try to discuss cation exchange capacity while holding a broadcast spreader and end up sounding like you’re pranking the lawn instead of managing fertility?
I did the same 40 lb/M on calcareous clay and found pelletized gypsum plus about 1/4" water right after spreading keeps the “seasoning the yard for a cookout” vibe down and gets the flocculation going faster; if your SAR isn’t high, results are mostly cosmetic. You noticing puddles shrink after a couple irrigation cycles?
I once had a neighbor think I was prepping the yard for a barbecue too! It helps to explain that gypsum can fix soil structure while you’re spreading it, like you did with the 40 lb application. Maybe throw in a quick note about how it helps the grass grow better, so they get why you’re not cooking up a feast instead?
It’s wild how people can confuse gypsum with seasoning… Next time, maybe try breaking it down by mentioning its benefits for the clay, like improved drainage – that might win them over faster. No one wants a BBQ in a swampy yard, right?