Potassium sulfate: application and benefits

We all know that to ensure the full development of the plant, to obtain a large and high-quality crop, we need to periodically feed plantings with fertilizers. Each of them has a certain benefit along with the features of the application, its prohibitions. In this vein, I would like to touch on potassium sulfate. We will tell about the benefits of its use, methods and reasons for making, present valuable tips for gardeners and gardeners.

What is it?

Potassium sulfate is a yellowish tint particle. Its usual composition is 44% of the macrocell potassium and oxygen. Also in small percentages in 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 feeding with other fertilizers.

It is proved 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 ripening season, the procedure will contribute to a more active growth of the latter, better preservation in the winter. Potassium sulfate also prevents the imminent spoilage of the crop and the defeat of its fungi.

The agrochemical leads to an improvement in the metabolism of the plant, which allows the green body to increase turgor - this is to prevent early wilting of the green mass.

Sodium sulfate, potassium helps perennial crops survive the winter period without loss, and especially freezing. If fertilizer is systematically applied to the substrate, then you can not be afraid that your plantings will overcome the time of cold weather.

Why do plants need potassium?

Potassium is an important element that regulates the growth and fertility of garden crops, as well as ornamental plants. In their cells, it accumulates in the form of ions, contributing to the normal regulation of metabolism in the green body.

Potassium is one of the important participants in photosynthesis, normalizing nitrogen metabolism, contributing to 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:

• An important physiological role in protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Increased use of nitrogen in ammonia form.
• Influence on the physical state of cell colloids.
• Increased protoplasm water retention.
• Increased resistance to wilting, premature dehydration (regarding plants, potassium forms in them resistance to short-term droughts).

The element contributes to the rapid process of water circulation in the plant, which leads to a more efficient influx and assimilation of nutrients, the development of the root system. All this is important during fruit ripening. And also provides a longer preservation of the latter.

The main advantages of potassium are as follows:

• Affects the growth and development of plants.
• Promotes cold resistance.
• It develops immunity to diseases.
• Increases the ability of a plant 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 bad potassium deficiency for a plant?

A lack of potassium (potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate) even with the proper amount of nitrogen and carbohydrate in the green body leads to the following:

• Decreased photosynthesis.
• Carbon suppression.
• Deterioration in protein synthesis.
• Reducing the rate of nitrate reduction.

A lack of potassium affects garden residents badly. The fact is that the absence of a substance is reflected in carbohydrate metabolism (and this is the formation of starch, sugars). Corn, buckwheat suffers without potassium. And, for example, sugar beet without an element does not have time to accumulate a sufficient amount of sugar, and potatoes - starch. Since potassium affects the strength of cell membranes, the strength of cereal stems and their resistance to so-called lodging also depend on the element.

Signs of Potassium Deficiency

How to determine that it is time to feed a plant with a solution of potassium sulfate? Pay attention to these signs:

• The pale yellow border at the edges of the foliage becomes bright yellow.
• Tops of tops can burn out, "rust". Lower leaves become duller, with chlorotic spots.
• The tops of irregular shape may crumble. The appearance of underdeveloped, small forms of leaves of an uncharacteristic hue is also frequent.
• Brown, brown spots or dots, stripes appear on the tops.
• The ends of the leaves dry out, after which the necrosis spreads over the entire leaf area.
• The stems become weak, brittle and thin.
• Stepsons are actively appearing.
• In beets and cucumbers, the leaves become domed, the fruits become pear-shaped, only male flowers appear on the plant.
• Planting growth stops, which is especially noticeable in fruit crops.
• In young shoots of shrubs and trees, the distance between the internodes is reduced.
• A small crop, which is characterized by uneven ripening of fruits.
• Berries and fruits have a low sucrose content.
• The crop is not stored for long.
• The reproductive organs of the plant are undeveloped. Often the buds fade without even opening.
• Flowering is thus slowed down or stopped altogether.

Signs of an excess of potassium

If the gardener was carried away by the introduction of potassium hydroxide, potassium sulfate, then his planting will "tell" about the overabundance of the element as follows:

• Pale or completely discolored foliage in plants.
• The new leaves are thin, characteristic of intervein chlorosis.
• The tops and edges of the tops begin to turn brown and die.
• The internodes are shortened.
• The lower leaves wrinkle, curl, become covered with brown spots.
• The tips of the roots are affected by necrosis.
  

Where is fertilizer applied?

Potassium sulfate (chloride - one of the varieties) is a truly universal fertilizer. It is suitable for the whole variety of soil types, for all agricultural perennial crops. Successfully used in floriculture.

Particularly effective on peat soils. Its application is recommended for potassium-poor substrates. On fertile soils, it is used in relation to crops characterized by enhanced assimilation of potassium - potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots, sunflowers. It is also recommended for radish, radish, beans, peas, beans, cabbage.

The effectiveness of potassium sulfate reactions is enhanced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Fertilize both when digging the soil in spring or autumn, and during the growing season.

Application on various soils

Let's analyze the main types of substrate and the effect of this fertilizer on them.

Now is the next topic.

Fertilizer application methods

There are only three methods:

1. Dry fertilizer is scattered across the soil when plowed - both for the winter and before planting.
2. Top dressing with watering - the right amount of fertilizer is dissolved in water.
3. Spraying plant leaves with water and potassium sulfate dissolved in it.

Recommended Amount of Fertilizer

Consider how much is good for certain crops.

On a 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 salt substitute. Its increased concentration in the body can lead to digestive upset, allergies.
• The fertilizer vapors must not be inhaled during processing - use a respirator.
• Wear gloves and covered clothing - if it comes into contact with mucous membranes and skin, it can cause irritation.
• Fertilize at least 14 days before harvesting.
• Do not mix potassium sulfate with nitrogen fertilizers, chalk or urea.
• Using a substance on acidic soils, dilute it with lime.

That's all we wanted to tell you about a useful universal fertilizer - potassium sulfate. Use it based on our advice and instructions for the drug.