Gypsum Dynamics in Soil Systems
Summary
Gypsum, a calcium sulphate mineral, plays a pivotal role in soil formation, structure and function across arid and semi-arid landscapes worldwide. Its moderate solubility governs water retention, ion exchange and crust formation, influencing infiltration rates and subsurface moisture dynamics. Pedogenic gypsum arises through evaporative concentration of calcium and sulphate in the soil profile, while gypsification denotes the accumulation of secondary gypsum in discrete horizons. These gypsum-rich layers affect soil aggregation, porosity and mechanical stability, with direct consequences for erosion susceptibility and root penetration. Biogeochemical interactions between gypsum and soil organic matter can modify nutrient availability, particularly of calcium, sulphur and associated trace elements, shaping plant community composition and succession trajectories. In agricultural settings, gypsum amendments are applied to ameliorate sodic soils, enhance structure and reduce crusting, yet excessive gypsum may lead to salinity issues and nutrient imbalances. Understanding the cycles of gypsum dissolution, transport and precipitation is therefore essential for sustainable land management, ecological restoration of quarry sites and mitigation of soil degradation in gypsum-bearing regions.
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Gypsum Dynamics in Soil Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in gypsum dynamics in soil systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pedogenic gypsum: Gypsum precipitated in situ through soil-forming processes, distinguishing it from detrital gypsum derived from parent rock.
Gypsification: The accumulation of secondary gypsum within a soil profile, often forming a discrete gypsic horizon.
Gypsic horizon: A soil layer characterised by visible gypsum crystals, nodules or continuous lamellae, indicating substantial gypsum enrichment.
Turbidimetry: An analytical technique that measures the cloudiness of a suspension to estimate solute concentration based on light scattering.
Thermogravimetric analysis: A method that records mass loss of a sample under controlled heating to identify and quantify mineral components such as gypsum.
References
- Spontaneous Primary Succession and Vascular Plant Recovery in the Iberian Gypsum Quarries: Insights for Ecological Restoration in an EU Priority Habitat. Plants (2023).
- Quantification of Gypsum in Soils: Methodological Proposal. Spanish Journal of Soil Science (2022).
- GYPWORLD Africa: Setting an agenda for gypsum ecosystem research in southern Africa. South African Journal of Science (2023).
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