Fertilizer application - potassium sulfate

The benefits of potassium

The deficiency of this trace element is not easy to notice. At first, the plant's growth slows down, and its sensitivity to frost increases. If you do not attach importance to this and do not take urgent measures (apply the necessary fertilizer), a so-called marginal burn can occur when the leaves turn brown and dry.

Look for symptoms of potassium deficiency such as:

• small white spots on old leaves;
• wrinkling near the point of growth in young leaves;
• torn edges of leaves and holes in them.

Lack of potassium will lead to the fact that the fruits lose their shape, their taste will suffer. Spherical whitish cucumbers are an example of the fact that fertilizer was not applied on time. And there are cultures that need it especially. Potassium sulfate is the best choice in such cases.

Potassium sulfate benefits

There are several types of agrochemicals containing potassium. Fertilizer potassium sulfate (another name for potassium sulfate) is valuable because it does not contain chlorine. This allows it to be applied under such plants as potatoes, radish, cabbage, peas, etc., which are very sensitive to chlorine-containing drugs.

Colorless potassium sulfate crystals dissolve well in water. The higher its temperature, the faster it happens. The instruction provides for the use of this agrochemical in both liquid and dry form. Useful for crops grown in open and closed ground. Having fed shrubs and trees in autumn, you can be sure that they will come out of wintering with minimal losses.

Potassium sulfate is recommended mainly for acidic soils, as it helps to achieve an ideal acid-base balance. It is useful for peat soil and sod-podzolic soil, which, as a rule, are poor in microelements. But this agrochemical is also suitable for other types of soils (gray soils, chestnut soil and even black soil), only you need to take into account the peculiarities of the fertilizer application.

We apply correctly

For each type of soil and, of course, plant species, there is its own scheme for the introduction of potassium sulfate. Both solution and dry substance are used. It is better to put the fertilizer into the soil in autumn, so potassium will become more accessible to the roots of plants that are planned to be planted in spring. The top layer of earth (about 10 to 30 cm) must be removed.

The norms for all crops are different. So, for tomatoes and strawberries you need 20 g per 1 m², cucumbers are enough for 15, cabbage - 25, and potatoes - all 30 g per 1 m². Trees will need much more - about 150 g per tree.

It is most convenient to use a solution of potassium sulfate during the second feeding. On loamy soils, the solution is applied along the leaf, on sandy soils, it is poured at the root. It is advisable to use the solution (40 g of fertilizer per 10 l of water) immediately.

Use the advice on how to fertilize if you need to feed an already mature plant.First, make holes around it at an angle of about 45º, the so-called pits. They should be directed towards the roots. Then fill them with a solution of potassium sulfate in the desired dosage.

Do not forget about such an important nuance as the compatibility of potassium sulfate with other fertilizers. It is forbidden to use it simultaneously with urea and chalk. Nitrogen fertilizers are mixed with potassium sulfate immediately before feeding. When adding an agrochemical to acidic soils, it is better to use it in combination with lime.

There will be little harm from an excess of potassium in the earth, but keep in mind that it interferes with the absorption of calcium, manganese, magnesium and other trace elements.The last fertilization should be done no later than 2 weeks before harvest.

We buy and store

The popularity of potassium sulfate is also explained by the very long shelf life. It is easy to transport and store, and does not belong to flammable substances.

On sale, this drug is found in almost all specialized stores, manufactured by different manufacturers. It is convenient to purchase ready-made forms packaged in bags mixed with other substances. An instruction is attached to them, where the composition is indicated. It is recommended to pay attention to potassium sulfate mixed with phosphorus. These elements work well together. Their use will allow you to get excellent yields.