Science Short: Breaking Up Isn't Hard to Do: Why Your Tucson Soil Doesn't Need Gypsum

Online Gardening Talks by Pima County Master Gardeners

When

5 – 5:30 p.m., Aug. 25, 2025

Short Takes are 15-30 minute classes that focus on a single idea with straightforward, common-sense information that will help you increase your gardening success.

Join us for a new series of short talks that spotlight a single key word or concept from the world of science. Each session offers a quick, approachable dive into the ideas that shape our natural world. From the nitrogen cycle to the fascinating symbiosis between plants and insects, these bite-sized explorations are perfect for curious minds.

While gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) has proven applications in construction and sodic soil remediation, its benefits do not translate well to Tucson’s desert soils. In this Science Short, we’ll examine the soil chemistry behind gypsum’s limited effectiveness in our region, clarify common misconceptions, and discuss more appropriate soil management practices for arid environments.

The class will be live on Zoom and you must register in advance

REGISTER

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.