Monopotassium phosphate for feeding tomatoes: application, dosage for seedlings

Experienced gardeners know that without the use of fertilizers, it will not be possible to grow strong seedlings and a good harvest of tomatoes. However, when using them, it must be borne in mind that this crop at any stage of growth needs a large amount of phosphorus and potassium. After all, these components contribute to the uniform growth of the aerial part and the root system, abundant flowering, fruiting. Therefore, potassium monophosphate fertilizer is of particular importance for tomato seedlings and adult bushes. But in order for it to bring maximum benefit, you need to use it correctly to feed the crop.

Potassium monophosphate contains nutrients in an accessible form for plants

The composition and properties of the drug

This fertilizer is available in the form of powder and granules. The product goes on sale in various packaging, which allows you to purchase the right amount for both private and industrial use. The fertilizer has a beige or light brown tint, odorless.

The chemical formula of this agrochemical is KH2PO4, in a special nomenclature it is called dihydroorthophosphate (monopotassium salt of orthophosphoric acid). As a percentage, the fertilizer contains 52% phosphorus and 34% potassium.

Potassium monophosphate does not accumulate in the soil and quickly decomposes. Therefore, it is recommended to use it for feeding tomatoes only in the form of nutrient solutions. The fertilizer is hygroscopic, therefore, if stored in conditions of high humidity, it loses its effectiveness. Potassium monophosphate shows maximum effectiveness in moderately warm and humid weather. In greenhouses and greenhouses, it can be used with good lighting and regular ventilation.

The main properties of the agrochemical:

• well soluble in water;
• safe for humans and the environment;
• acidifies the soil;
• works only when there is enough nitrogen in the soil.

Advantages and disadvantages

This fertilizer has a number of advantages, which explains its increased popularity among experienced and novice gardeners. However, potassium monophosphate also has certain disadvantages that must be considered.

This mineral fertilizer prevents tomato seedlings from pulling out

Main advantages:

• use at any stage of plant development is permissible;
• suitable for root and foliar top dressing;
• provides tomatoes with essential nutrients;
• increases the yield and quality of fruits;
• provides abundant flowering;
• prevents shedding of the ovary;
• strengthens the resistance of seedlings;
• improves taste;
• has a beneficial effect on the beneficial microflora of the soil.

Disadvantages:

• nourishes not only garden crops, but also weeds;
• cannot be applied dry;
• incompatible with calcium and magnesium;
• requires special storage conditions;
• causes excessive tillering;
• during prolonged rains, it is quickly washed out of the soil.

Instructions for the use of potassium monophosphate for tomatoes

Top dressing of tomatoes with potassium monophosphate is recommended at the stage of growing seedlings, as well as during the flowering and fruiting of the crop. It can be carried out by watering plants under the root and spraying on the leaf. However, depending on the method chosen, it is necessary to follow the instructions for the use of potassium monophosphate in order to avoid serious errors.

Top dressing of tomatoes with potassium monophosphate under the root

Fertilizer with root top dressing should be applied several times per season. The first time to carry out the procedure is recommended 7-10 days after planting seedlings in a permanent place. An additional sign for top dressing is the appearance of a new leaf, which indicates the rooting of seedlings. At this stage, it is necessary to use fertilizer at the rate of 7-10 g per 10 liters of water. The recommended dosage of the nutrient solution is 3-4 liters per 1 sq. m area. Fertilizer is recommended to be applied to moist soil.

The second feeding of tomatoes is necessary during the flowering period, which will ensure the formation of new brushes with the ovary. This time, the product must be diluted at the rate of 10 g per 10 liters of water and used for each square. m 4 liters of nutrient solution.

The third root dressing of tomatoes is recommended during fruiting. During this period, fertilizer must be applied in a proportion of 15 g per 10 liters of water, pouring 6 liters of nutrient solution per square meter. m.

Foliar top dressing

This type of top dressing is recommended with a sufficient number of leaves in tomatoes. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out it for the first time when the seedlings have at least three new leaves after transplanting to a permanent place. According to the instructions for use, monopotassium phosphate for foliar feeding of tomatoes should be diluted at the rate of 2 g per 10 liters of water and mixed thoroughly. It is recommended to spray the seedlings with a solution in the early morning or late evening, which will allow the leaves to evenly absorb the liquid. In the future, you can apply such top dressing two weeks after the previous one, adhering to a similar dosage.

Foliar top dressing should be used as an emergency aid for tomatoes after prolonged rains. This will allow seedlings to quickly receive the necessary nutrients.

Foliar top dressing is unable to replace the root

Feeding tomato seedlings with potassium monophosphate

You can use this tool at the initial stage of development of tomatoes. In this case, feeding tomato seedlings with potassium monophosphate helps against pulling seedlings. It is necessary to dissolve 10 g of the drug in 10 liters of water and use the resulting liquid for watering plants. The first time you can feed tomato seedlings with potassium monophosphate ten days after picking. In the future, it is recommended to repeat it every two weeks to ensure uniform development of seedlings.

Compatibility with other fertilizers

Potassium monophosphate can be used not only independently for feeding tomatoes, but also in combination with other fertilizers. When using a product with nitrogen, the root system of plants is strengthened, and the growth of new shoots and brushes is also activated. However, feeding should be carried out with a break of ten days. Moreover, nitrogen should be introduced after potassium monophosphate.

However, it should be borne in mind that the remedy cannot be combined with magnesium and calcium. In this case, it is necessary to take a break between top dressings of two weeks to avoid negative consequences.

How to replace potassium monophosphate for tomatoes

The main advantage of the drug is that it contains phosphorus in an easily accessible form for plants. Therefore, if it is not at hand, it is not so easy to replace it. After all, superphosphate known to gardeners is characterized by a slow nutritional effect. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce it into the soil since autumn or to prepare a special hood based on it, which is not always convenient.

The only replacement option may be Pekacid fertilizer. The product contains up to 60% phosphorus and 20% potassium. However, this fertilizer has a high cost.

Safety Precautions

When working with potassium monophosphate, precautions must be observed. According to the instructions, before preparing a nutrient solution for tomatoes, you must put on gloves, goggles and a respirator.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure in calm weather to exclude the possibility of getting into open areas of the body. Use the prepared nutrient solution immediately, as it loses its beneficial properties during storage. Therefore, it is not recommended to do it for the future.

Fertilizer should be diluted in settled water with a temperature of + 15-25 ° С

When using the drug, it is necessary to strictly observe the indicated dosages. In order to correctly measure the drug, it should be borne in mind that a teaspoon contains 4 g of fertilizer, and a tablespoon contains 10 g.

During the use of the product, it is forbidden to drink, smoke, eat. If the fertilizer gets on the skin and mucous membranes, wash the problem areas with plenty of water.

Conclusion

Potassium monophosphate for tomato seedlings is considered one of the best fertilizers according to experienced gardeners. Therefore, its regular use makes it possible to get a good harvest for your work. However, in order for this remedy to really bring the maximum benefit to tomatoes, it is necessary to follow the recommended terms and dosages.

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