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In order to obtain a rich harvest, large farmers and owners of small summer cottages successfully use potassium sulfate as an effective fertilizer. Its use gives good results both when top dressing crops in open ground and in greenhouse conditions.
Properties of substance
The properties of potassium sulfate are determined by its composition, namely, that more than 50% of the total mass belongs to potassium. The fertilizer does not contain chlorine, which makes its use absolutely harmless to plants and humans. The introduction of root and foliar dressings of potassium sulfate in fruits gives an increased sugar content and vitamin. Plus, additional nutrition helps protect plants from the harmful effects of pathogenic bacteria and gray rot.
Perennial plants are in dire need of additional feeding in order to successfully overwinter, so the use of potassium sulfide in the garden in this case will be very effective. Autumn fertilization under fruit trees and shrubs allows you to perfectly cope even with severe frosts. The high content of potassium in the mineral fertilizer has a particularly favorable effect on the cultures of the cruciferous family. The absence of chlorine and the slight presence of sulfur oxide makes it possible to introduce an agrochemical for feeding turnips, all types of cabbage, radishes and other representatives of this family. In addition to potassium and sulfur, mineral fertilizer contains impurities of other equally useful elements: iron, sodium and calcium. The use of potassium sulfate is recommended on acidic soils.
How to use potassium sulfate
Potassium sulphate can be used to feed many crops, and the responsiveness to fertilization allows you to get really rich yields even on poor soils. However, it is still necessary to apply the agrochemical in strict proportions, depending on the type of soil where the plant grows. It is not recommended to apply on heavy loamy soils.
If we are talking about root dressing, then its use is recommended in the fall. It is necessary to produce it by removing the top layer of soil by 10-30 cm. To feed already adult crops, you can use pits – these are vertical channels that are made at an angle of 45 degrees around the plant, to the root system. Then the fertilizer is diluted in the required proportions and poured into the prepared holes. Fertilizing fruit trees is carried out directly at planting, that is, a prepared agrochemical is introduced into the planting pit along with phosphorus fertilizers.
Video “Helpful tips and tricks about the use of potassium”
An informative video with helpful tips and tricks for using potassium in your garden.
What plants can be used
The responsiveness of vegetable crops, fruit trees, berries and shrubs allows it to be applied almost everywhere. Consider the methods of applying fertilizer for the most commonly grown crops when digging the soil in the spring:
- to feed tomatoes, the following proportion is required – 20 g per 1 sq. m.
- cucumbers – 15g per 1 sq. m.
- cabbage and turnip – 25 g per 1 sq. m.
- for potatoes, it will be sufficient to apply 30-35 g of fertilizer per 1 sq.m.
- berries need 20 g of potassium sulfide per 1 sq. m.
For vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, potatoes and root crops), it is better to apply fertilizer in the fall when digging the soil. Fruit trees are fed immediately – 150-200 g of fertilizer must be applied to the planting pit. Strawberries can be fed only after fruiting. Berry bushes need additional nutrition during the growing season – 15-20 g per 1 sq. m. of soil.
The next top dressing can be carried out in the middle of summer, however, taking into account the above information. This time you can use: a ready-made solution of potassium sulfate or a dry fraction of an agrochemical. The use of top dressing in the form of a solution is more effective, as it quickly gets to the root system and nourishes it. There are two options for making a second top dressing:
- On sandy soils, it is enough to simply water the plant under the root.
- On loamy soils, it is necessary to fertilize according to the leaf. To do this, 35-40 g of the agrochemical is dissolved in 10 liters of water and everything is mixed well until completely dissolved. It is recommended to use the finished substance immediately at the rate of 3-4 m. of soil.
The dry fraction of potassium sulphate is convenient to use when planting crops in rows, since fertilizer is poured into the grooves formed between the rows. Fruit trees are fertilized at the rate of 150-200 g per trunk circle. In this case, the fertilizer crystals must be slightly deepened in the soil around the tree trunk.
What fertilizers does it interact with
Due to the absence of chlorine, fertilizer can be applied even together with other additives, however, observing the following rules:
- potassium sulfate is incompatible with urea and chalk;
- it is necessary to prepare a substance from potassium sulfate and nitrogen fertilizers only before directly applying it to the soil;
- to achieve the best effect on acidic soils, it is desirable to make such an additive along with lime.
For all crops, the application of the agrochemical must be stopped up to 14 days before the harvest date.
Safety precautions for use
The agrochemical is considered explosive and easily ignites when in contact with fire, so it must be stored in cool, dry places protected from the sun and heating devices. When working, the mandatory use of protective equipment is required:
- use a respirator or bandage to protect your mouth and nose;
- wear thick rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands;
- to protect the eyes – goggles.
After finishing work, it is important to thoroughly rinse your hands and tools in running water.
Video “All about foliar feeding”
Useful properties of foliar top dressing, which can also be carried out with potassium.
