We all know that in order to ensure the full development of the plant, to obtain a large and high-quality crop, we need to periodically feed the plantings with fertilizers. Each of them has a certain benefit, along with the features of the application, its prohibitions. In this vein, I want to touch on potassium sulfate. Let's talk about the benefits of its use, methods and reasons for applying, present valuable advice for gardeners and gardeners.
What is this?
Potassium sulfate is a yellowish particle. Its usual composition is 44% of the macronutrient potassium and oxygen. Also, in small percentages, the fertilizer contains sulfur and iron oxide, calcium and sodium. These elements are also important for plant development. However, the content of the latter is so small that it is usually not taken into account when fertilizing with other fertilizers.
It has been proven that when using potassium sulfate, plants become more resistant to lack of moisture, various infections and pests. If you spray the product on the fruits in the season of their ripening, the procedure will contribute to a more active growth of the latter, better preservation in the winter. Potassium sulfate also preventsearly damage to the crop and damage to its fungi.
The agrochemical leads to an improvement in the metabolism of the plant, which allows the green organism to increase the turgor - this is already preventing the early withering of the green mass.
Sodium, potassium sulfate helps perennial crops survive the winter period without loss, and especially frost. If fertilizer is systematically applied to the substrate, then you can not be afraid that your plantings will overcome the cold weather.
Why do plants need potassium?
Potassium is that important element that regulates the growth and fertility of horticultural crops, as well as ornamental plants. In their cells, it accumulates in the form of ions, contributing to the normal regulation of metabolism in a green organism.
Potassium is one of the important participants in photosynthesis, normalizing nitrogen metabolism, promoting the formation of organic acids. However, it is not part of the organic compounds of living systems. However, this does not reduce the importance of potassium for organisms:
- Important physiological role in protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Activation of the use of nitrogen in ammonia form.
- Influence on the physical state of cell colloids.
- Increasing the water-holding capacity of protoplasm.
- Increasing resistance to wilting, premature dehydration (for plants, potassium forms their resistance to short-term droughts).
The element promotes the rapid process of water circulation in the plant, which leads to more efficient inflow and absorptionnutrients, development of the root system. All this is important during fruit ripening. It also ensures a longer preservation of the latter.
The main benefits of potassium are as follows:
- Affects the growth and development of plants.
- Promotes cold hardiness.
- Produces immunity to diseases.
- Increases the plant's ability to synthesize carbohydrates.
We also note that potassium is found in all plants without exception. Its main form is ionic (K+). Some of the ions are dissolved in the cell sap of the plant, some - in the structural elements of the cell.
What is the disadvantage of a lack of potassium for a plant?
Lack of potassium (potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate), even with the proper amount of nitrogen and carbohydrate in the green body, leads to the following:
- Reduce photosynthesis rate.
- Suppression of carbon movement.
- Impaired protein synthesis.
- Decreasing the rate of nitrate recovery.
Lack of potassium is bad for garden dwellers. The fact is that the absence of a substance affects carbohydrate metabolism (and this is the formation of starch, sugars). Corn and buckwheat suffer without potassium. And, for example, sugar beets without an element do not have time to gain enough sugar, and potatoes - starch. Since potassium affects the strength of cell membranes, the strength of cereal stems and their resistance to so-called lodging depend on the element.
Signslack of potassium
How to determine that it is time to feed the plant with a solution of potassium sulfate? Pay attention to these signs:
- Pale yellow edging at the edges of foliage turns bright yellow.
- The tops of the haulm can burn out, "rust". The lower leaves become duller, with chlorotic spots.
- Holes of irregular shape, may crumble. The appearance of underdeveloped, small forms of leaves of an uncharacteristic shade is not uncommon.
- Brown, brown spots or dots, stripes appear on the leaves.
- The tips of the foliage dry out, after which necrosis spreads to the entire leaf area.
- Stems become weak, brittle and thin.
- Stepchildren are actively appearing.
- Beets and cucumbers have domed leaves, pear-shaped fruits, and only male flowers appear on the plant.
- Growth of planting stops, which is especially noticeable in fruit and berry crops.
- In young shoots of shrubs and trees, the distance between internodes is reduced.
- A small crop characterized by uneven fruit ripening.
- Berries and fruits are low in sucrose.
- The crop does not last long.
- The reproductive organs of the plant are undeveloped. Often the buds wither before they even open.
- Flowering is thus slowed down or stopped altogether.
Signs of too much potassium
If the gardener is carried away by the introduction of potassium hydroxide, potassium sulfate, then his plantings will "tell" about the overabundance of the element as follows:
- Pale or completely discolored foliage in plants.
- New leaves are thin, characteristic interveinal chlorosis.
- The tops and edges of the haulm begin to turn brown and die off.
- Internodes shorten.
- The lower leaves are wrinkled, curled, covered with brown spots.
- Root tips affected by necrosis.
Where is fertilizer applied?
Potassium sulfate (chloride - one of the varieties) is a truly universal fertilizer. It is suitable for a wide variety of soil types, for all agricultural perennial crops. Successfully used in floriculture.
Especially effective on peat soils. Its application is recommended for substrates poor in potassium. On fertile soils, it is used in relation to crops characterized by enhanced absorption of potassium - potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots, sunflowers. Also recommended for radishes, radishes, beans, peas, beans, cabbage.
The efficiency of potassium sulfate reactions is increased by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Fertilizer is applied both when digging the soil in spring or autumn, and throughout the growing season.
Application on various soils
Let's look at the main types of substrate and the effect of this fertilizer on them.
| S alt licks | Potassium sulfate is not required, as the soil is sufficiently saturated with various s alts |
| Lime substrate | Needs more fertilization. This is due to the fact that calcium ions, which are rich in this soil, inhibit the absorption of potassium by plantings |
| Loams, leached, chernozems | The application of potassium sulfate should be moderate. Its effectiveness depends on sufficient soil moisture |
| Peat bog, red soils, sandy, floodplains | The use of fertilizer is recommended - it contributes to the growth of plants, quality crops |
Now the next topic.
Feeding methods
There are only three methods:
- Dry fertilizer is spread over the soil when plowing - both for the winter and before planting.
- Feeding with watering - the right amount of fertilizer is dissolved in water.
- Spraying the leaves of plants with water with potassium sulfate dissolved in it.
Recommended amount of fertilizer
Let's consider how much of a substance is useful for certain crops.
| Cucumbers and tomatoes | Introduction into the soil - 20 g/m2 |
| Carrots, beets, potatoes and other root crops | Introduction into the soil - 20 g/m2 |
| Salad, cabbage | When digging up the soil - 25-30 g/m2 |
| Berry bushes | Introduction into the soil before flowering - 20 g/m2 |
| Fruit trees | Before planting a tree - 200-250g |
| Strawberries, strawberries | During flowering - 15-20 g/m2 |
Note
Finally, a number of useful recommendations:
- Potassium sulfate is a non-toxic fertilizer for humans (of course, in minimal doses). In the food industry, this element is even used as a s alt substitute. Its increased concentration in the body can lead to indigestion, allergies.
- Fertilizer fumes during processing must not be inhaled - use a respirator.
- Work with gloves and closed clothing - contact with mucous membranes and skin can cause irritation.
- Feed at least 14 days before harvest.
- Do not mix potassium sulfate with nitrogen fertilizers, chalk or urea.
- When using the substance on acidic soils, dilute it with lime.
That's all we wanted to tell you about the useful universal fertilizer - potassium sulfate. Use it based on our advice and instructions for the preparation.
