News Center Home > Agricultural > Product Data Data Sheet For more information 1-800-487-4431 industrial@usg.com   Data Sheet BEN FRANKLIN® 420 Landplaster A Superior Source of Calcium and Sulfur for Peanut Production BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is a high-analysis calcium sulfate that delivers the critical performance and application features needed to ensure high-quality, high-yielding peanut crops. Specifically, the product: Delivers high-purity calcium required to guarantee best-possible seed quality and germination rates. Is manufactured in variable particle sizes to ensure consistent nutrition from initial pegging through maturity. Is 150 times more soluble than limestone, enabling pods to easily absorb calcium and minimizing yield-reducing problems such as pops, rot and darkened plumules. Offers superior flow and spreadability. Does not adversely affect soil pH – a critical consideration when soil is in the optimal range for peanut growth. Improves soil structure by minimizing surface crusting. Aids water penetration and aeration. Is non-toxic and ecologically safe. Description BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is made from quarried anhydrite and gypsum, which is crushed to a convenient size for agricultural use. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is a high purity form of calcium sulfate that lacks the two water molecules present in gypsum (CaSO4 · 2H2O). BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is sold in bulk, with a particle size distribution from approximately ¼” to dust. The smaller, finer particles are readily dissolved and absorbed by the pod, while the larger particles dissolve more slowly, supplying crops with calcium and sulfur in a “time release” fashion throughout the growing season. Naturally Productive The benefits of using natural gypsum products as a source of calcium and sulfur for peanut production have been extensively tested and documented. Pegs and pods treated with gypsum or anhydrite are assured an evenly distributed, highly soluble calcium source. Natural gypsum and anhydrite produce healthier crop yields and significantly less pod rot and pops than crops treated with alternatives, such as limestone. Highly Profitable BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is produced with great care and attention to the features that make it a proven value to peanut producers. Though the product is more costly than many competing products, it offers a superior combination of calcium content, solubility and distribution efficiency that makes it a highly productive – and profitable – business decision for peanut farmers. Business and Land Management Benefits The product offers a range of application, labor, equipment and land management benefits, including: Reduced Material Usage – BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster contains almost 20% more calcium than competing gypsum products, so less material is required to meet critical peanut production requirements. Consistent Speadability for Higher Crop Production – The product flows and spreads more easily, ensuring consistent, even distribution. Seeding problems, such as pops and darkened plumules that may result from uneven distribution and localized calcium deficiencies are minimized. Crop productivity is maximized. Reduced Time, Fuel; Minimized Crop Damage – Because each load of BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster covers more acreage, fewer trips into the field are required. This translates into savings in time, labor, and fuel costs. It also reduces the potential for crop damage and soil compaction. Reduced Labor; Fewer Injury and Liability Risks – The even flow of BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster reduces or eliminates the need for an extra laborer in the back of the equipment, thereby minimizing the risk for injury and the associated liabilities. Improved Soil Structure – Surface crusting is minimized and water penetration and aeration are improved. Less Equipment Maintenance – BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is non-toxic, ecologically safe and will not corrode equipment. Physical Properties (Bulk) Chemistry CaSO4 Ca S pH Minimum Guarentee 85% 25% 20% 7.5 (approx.) Typical Screen Analysis Particle Size Range (Mesh) +4 -4 + 20 -20 +100 -100 Approximate Percent 1.5% 53% 28% 17.5% Density Loose: 78 Packed: 95 Application BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is applied by broadcast spreader. The farthest reach of the spreader defines truck paths and subsequent passes to assure even distribution and proper overlap. The product can be applied any time after planting, but best results are achieved when applied just prior to bloom. Variations in the gypsum particle size ensure consistent calcium delivery throughout pegging and fruiting. Contact your local county extension agent or your USG sales representative for specific application recommendations based on local conditions. Product Availability BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is available in bulk at United States Gypsum Company’s Norfolk, Va. plant. Please consult our current year price and policy for contact information and hours of operation. USG: The Leader in Agricultural Gypsum Products BEN FRANKLIN 420 Landplaster is produced by United States Gypsum Company, the nation’s leading supplier of natural agricultural gypsum products. USG has been meeting the needs of peanut growers from our Norfolk plant for more than 50 years. Trademarks The following trademarks used herein are owned by United States Gypsum Company or a related company: BEN FRANKLIN, 420 Landplaster. Notice We shall not be liable for incidental and consequential damages, directory or indirectly sustained, nor for any loss caused by application of these goods not in accordance with current printed instructions or for other than the intended use. Our liability is expressly limited to replacement of defective goods. Any claim shall be deemed waived unless made in writing to us within thirty (30) days from date it was or reasonably should have been discovered. Safety First Follow good safety and industrial hygiene practices during handling and installing of all products and systems. Take necessary precautions and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment as needed. Read material safety data sheets and related literature on products before specification and/or installation. United States Gypsum Company Industrial Products Division 125 S. Franklin Street P.O. Box 806278 Chicago, IL 60680-4124 A Subsidiary of USG Corporation 800.487.4431 Direct Line: 312.606.5380 www.gypsumsolutions.com Email: industrial@usg.com © 2002, United States Gypsum Company Printed in U.S.A.