Key industry experts will discuss the benefits of agricultural gypsum at the fourth annual Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium: Research and Practical Insights into Using Gypsum. The symposium offers advanced education on the use of agricultural gypsum for managing soil quality. It will take place at the Kansas State University Alumni Center on August 13, 2014, and is co-sponsored by GYPSOIL, a division of Beneficial Reuse Management (BRM), and the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA).
“People are expressing an interest in using gypsum in agriculture to provide a source of nutrients and push the yield envelope. The Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium is a great opportunity for people to come together – as growers and consultants – to learn about gypsum, reasons for using it, the key benefits and the nutrient content. It’s also a great chance to hear presentations from renowned soil scientists,” says Dr. DeAnn Presley, Associate Professor of Environmental Soil Science and Management at Kansas State University.
A list of confirmed speakers can be found here. The symposium also includes panel discussions with experienced gypsum users, plus spreader set-up and application tips.
“Kansas prairie soils have great production potential, however, deteriorating soil structure, weather extremes, rainfall patterns and sulfur deficiencies are often problems. This educational event will discuss how gypsum provides sulfate sulfur, the readily-available form that satisfies crop needs. We’ll also talk about how gypsum balances calcium and other important nutrients leading to better soil structure, improved water use efficiency, nutrient utilization, biological activity and a cleaner environment,” says Ron Chamberlain, Lead Agronomist for GYPSOIL.
Register online or the day of the event. Lunch and parking are included with registration. An optional pre-conference spreading demonstration by J.B. Pearl Sales and Service is scheduled at the Kansas State University North Agronomy Farm. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits will be available. Cost for the symposium is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.