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The article discusses how gypsum, an amendment for tight soils, may help resolve phosphorus pollution while also serving as a low-cost source of sulfur and improving soil health. Topics discussed include use of a high-calcium or low-magnesium lime before or while trying gypsum; determining calcium and sulfur levels in soil tests and tissue tests; and ways to evaluate gypsum in soils and operation.

The article presents information on various practices to increase in cotton production in the U.S. David Hardy, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services section chief for soil testing said that farmers should focus on soil pH and liming, phosphorous, potassium, nitrogen and sulfur in the context of a budget. Soil pH is especially critical in cotton production because cotton does not tolerate acidity well. In 2004, where growth problems occurred with cotton on Coastal Plain soils, almost 70 percent of the samples had pH levels below the target pH of 6.2.

The article focuses on some guidelines related to lime application in the farm given by the Soil scientist of Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas including frequency, rate and amount of the application.