Potash fertilizers: types and how to apply them? What potash fertilizers are best used on the site
Special place in the life of any plant is occupied by potash fertilizers. After all, potassium, along with other elements, is the basis of the mineral nutrition of plant organisms.
The value of potash fertilizers and signs of potassium deficiency in plants
The role of potassium in the process of plant vegetation is quite specific. Unlike nitrogen, it is present in cells not in organic matter, but in an ionic form. Moreover, in young and non-lignified parts it is much more. Most of this element, somewhere around 80%, is found in cell sap. With a lack of potassium in fast-growing parts, its movement from older organs can occur.
The main signs of potassium starvation are as follows:
- Edge burn. The most basic sign of the lack of this element.
- Chlorotic spots white color.
- Dying and curling of leaf tips.
- Budding delay.
- Growth retardation.
- Thinned stems.
Potassium plays a rather important role in plant life. With its participation, the process of photosynthesis and oxidative reactions inside cells proceed. Also, this element has a positive effect on enzymatic activity, protein-carbohydrate metabolism and increases the resistance of plants to various adverse factors.
What potash fertilizers are better to use for indoor plants
Indoor plants are more sensitive to potassium deficiency than outdoor plants. To maintain their health at the proper level, potash fertilizers must be applied. This should be done in strict accordance with the recommended dosages. An excess of potassium is no less harmful than its deficiency.
Potassium sulphate or, in other words, sulfate is most often used to feed indoor crops. In addition to potassium, it contains magnesium, as well as an element such as calcium. You can feed them almost all indoor crops. Just for each specific plant will have its own scheme of use and dosage.
Potash fertilizers: application (video)
Calcium chloride can also be used for indoor crops. But it has one significant drawback. It contains chlorine. And this element can not be successfully tolerated by all plant species. In addition, chlorine can negatively affect the composition of the soil.
Flower growers with experience prefer not to use pure potash fertilizers. This is due to the fact that other elements are also needed for the full growth of crops, and this cannot be achieved by applying potash fertilizers alone. Therefore, it is much easier and more convenient to use mineral complexes, where not only potassium is present, but also other nutrients.
Types and composition of potash fertilizers
All currently existing potash fertilizers according to the method of production can be divided into 3 large groups:
- Concentrated. They are products of factory processing of natural potash ores.
- Raw. They are crushed natural ores.
- Mixed. Obtained by mixing raw fertilizers with concentrated ones.
Below in the form of a table are the main fertilizers of the potassium group:
|
Name |
Description |
Usage |
||
|
potassium chloride |
Concentrated |
White or pink crystals with a slight gray tint, highly soluble in water. Depending on the variety or production standards, it can also be produced in the form of rather large reddish-brown granules. |
It can be used on cultures not sensitive to chlorine. IN open ground bring in the spring |
|
|
potassium sulfate |
Concentrated |
Good free flowing powder of white crystals with a slight yellow tint. Has an unlimited shelf life |
It can be used as a basic fertilizer or as a top dressing for potassium deficiency. Can be applied to almost all types of crops |
|
|
Kalimagnesia |
Mixed |
Granule release form. Contains up to 8% magnesium. Features a low chlorine content |
Can be used for any kind of crops |
|
|
Potassium salt |
mixed |
It is a mixture of potassium chloride with sylvinite |
Used as the main fertilizer for autumn application |
|
|
Concentrated |
Powder gray color containing up to 8% magnesium |
Used when fertilizing crops with increased sensitivity to chlorine |
||
|
Potassium carbonate (potash) |
Concentrated |
White crystalline substance. Very soluble in water and has a low degree of toxicity |
Most often used for application on acidic soil types |
Potassium chloride: description and instructions for use
It accounts for about 90% of all potassium-containing fertilizers. The content of the main active substance in it is quite high and, when converted to oxide, is about 63%.
In appearance, potassium chloride is a pink or white crystalline substance with a very high hygroscopic ability. It is because of this feature that it has problems during transportation and storage. This is one of the most significant disadvantages of this fertilizer.
Scientists from the most different countries. But so far, little progress has been made on this issue. About 38% of the world production of this fertilizer is concentrated in Canada. Russia accounts for about 32%.
Potassium chloride can be obtained in two main ways:
- Galurgical. The method is based on different solubility values at different temperatures.
- flotation. The method is based on various adsorption rates.
Types of fertilizers (video)
Method of application and dosage
Like most fertilizers of the potassium group, potassium chloride is applied during autumn or spring digging of the soil. Can be used in both independent form, and as part of other mineral complexes.
Recommended potassium chloride for use on light soil types. For example, it shows good results on various sandy loams and loams. It has high efficiency when applied under root crops, sunflower and millet.
There are the following application rates for this fertilizer on square meter:
- Under cabbage, beets, carrots from 20 to 25 g.
- Cucumbers and tomatoes 10-15 g.
- Radishes and green crops no more than 5-10 g.
- Potatoes from 15 to 20 g.
Potassium chloride plays an important role in plant life, but when using it, one should not forget that there are a number of chlorophobic crops. For example:
- grape;
- potato;
- smoking tobacco.
On them, the chlorine components of this fertilizer have a very Negative influence and significantly reduce yields. To compensate for this harmful effect, it is necessary to strictly observe the terms and basic methods of application.
Organic fertilizers for summer cottages (video)
Potassium chloride is absolutely safe in terms of fire hazard. Therefore, working with him does not require compliance with any special conditions other than the rules of personal hygiene. To increase the effectiveness of this fertilizer, it is recommended to mix it with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Moreover, this must be done immediately before making.
Every gardener has heard about the need for fertilizer to grow tasty crops and prevent disease. horticultural crops. Beginners will have to understand the types of dressings and the timing of their introduction. Most often, nitrogen, potash fertilizers are used, there are many names. Beginning summer residents have to figure out which of them to use in the spring and during fruiting in order to help horticultural crops in time and positively affect the quality of the crop.
Feeding strawberries with potassium solution
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three most important elements for the active development of plants. In agriculture, it is impossible to obtain a bountiful harvest without these components. If nitrogen is necessary for active vegetation, and phosphorus for the ripening of buds and fruits, then what is potassium for? It performs several important tasks:
Potassium deficiency is observed mainly in crops growing on light soils. The poorest soils in terms of potassium content are peaty. Heavy clay areas and loams, on the contrary, retain potassium better. The element is placed in upper layers soil. Due to the fact that it is part of the poorly soluble substances, only a small part can be absorbed by plants. Potash fertilizers dissolve well in water and make up for the deficiency of the element in the soil.
Organic fertilizers cannot fully saturate the plants on the site with all the necessary substances. For example, the content of potassium in manure or humus is not enough to improve the quality of the crop. For this reason, gardeners use mineral supplements. It, along with superphosphate, is added to, weigels, roses and many fruit crops.
Signs of deficiency and excess of potassium
The lack of an element can be noticed not immediately. Usually, signs of potassium deficiency appear in the summer at the height of the active growth of green mass. You can detect the lack of an element in those crops that have been grown in one place for several years. A prolonged lack of moisture or heavy rainfall increases the risk of an element deficiency.
Deficiency signs:
Top dressing must be carried out according to strict rules. It is important to observe not only the timing, but also the dosage of a particular drug, since an excess of an element leads to negative consequences, like a deficiency. For example, in both cases.
Signs of an overabundance:
- elongated internodes;
- growth retardation;
- poor absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus;
- leaf blades become lighter;
- wilting, mosaic covering of foliage.
If it is quite simple to deal with potassium deficiency, then eliminate the excess of the element for short time will not work. The first step to take is to water the soil abundantly. Water will wash out potassium, transfer it to the deeper layers of the soil. If the plant does not improve, an urgent transplant will be required.
Overview of potash supplements from an agronomist.
Types of potash fertilizers
Before you find out what applies to potash fertilizers, you need to clarify the differences - this is the composition and method of application. Not all cultures respond positively to the presence of chlorine, so there are restrictions on use.
Main types:
- potassium sulfate, or nothing more than sulfate;
- potassium chloride (chloride).
Potassium sulphate for plants: instructions for use
Potassium sulfate is an alternative for plants that do not tolerate high levels of chlorine and sodium. In this fertilizer, potassium oxide reaches 50%. The composition contains sulfur, magnesium, a little calcium. A significant difference between sulfate is its low hygroscopicity, which simplifies storage and transportation. Pure potassium sulfate is white-yellow crystals, easily soluble in water. Potassium sulfate is more expensive than chloride. It is used mainly for crops that can be harmed by the use of chloride.
The most responsive to this fertilizer:
The use of sulfuric acid composition is possible both in open ground and in a greenhouse. Due to the effect of the preparation, plantings are less exposed to putrefactive diseases, the frost resistance of fruit trees increases and berry bushes.
It is recommended to use potassium sulfate in the fall after digging. In the spring, they are used for sandy areas - 15-20 g / m 2. Clay soils are fertilized in the fall, adding 20-40 g / m 2 when digging. Potassium sulphate can be used for root dressing in the amount of 5 g per 1 m 2. During the growing season, it is recommended to use an aqueous solution for watering under the root to keep the plantings in proper shape. To prepare the solution, take 10-15 g per bucket of water.
Do not mix with carbamide (urea) and chalk. It is not recommended to apply together with manure.
Maybe sharing with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. In peat areas, a single application is recommended, since such soils contain a sufficient amount of nitrogen.
Video with the rules for using sulfate for the garden.
Potassium chloride: application, dosage
Chloride is a white or pinkish water soluble powder. Due to the high hygroscopicity, the substance is poorly transported and stored. One way to reduce caking is granulation. Pink or gray-white granules are usually on sale, characterized by slow dissolution in water. Potassium in them is 52-62%. Due to the presence of chlorine, it is not suitable for all plantings. Do not use it for tomatoes and berry bushes sensitive to chlorine.
Potassium chloride must not be used with dolomite flour, lime, chalk. Due to the ability to acidify the soil, chloride is added to acidic soils only after liming (after 2 weeks).
Chloride is added to autumn time on heavy soils when digging. By the beginning of the season, chlorine will be washed out by precipitation and melt waters. The process of washing out on sandy and peaty areas proceeds faster, therefore, the application of the drug is possible in the spring. Autumn feeding on such soils in most cases is useless. The recommended autumn dosage is 15-20 g/m2, the spring rate is 2-3.5 g/m2.
Potassium chloride with primer
Application rates:
- potatoes - 2-3 g per well;
- tomatoes have a negative attitude to chlorine, so it is recommended to apply when autumn digging– 100 g/10 m²;
- cucumbers - 3 watering per season with a solution prepared in a ratio of 20 g / 10 l.
- fruit trees- 50-100 g;
- raspberries, currants - 25-50 g when planting;
- roses - during the growth period, they are fed twice with a solution prepared in a ratio of 20 g / 10 l.
Feeding is not applied 15-20 days before harvest.
Other sources of potassium - what are the names?
Other types of preparations are also used to feed plants with potassium:
- Potassium nitrate (potassium nitrate) is a complex fertilizer of potassium in the amount of 44% and nitrogen in the amount of 13%. It is used for most horticultural crops, and is applied during the growing season, flowering and fruit set. A small percentage of nitrogen does not cause unnatural growth of green mass, but only strengthens the plant. Potassium nitrate is loved by root crops and berry crops.
- Potassium salt is an analogue of potassium chloride, which is of little use for feeding some plants due to the high percentage of chlorine. Potassium contains 40%.
- Kalimagnesia is another complex consisting of potassium (up to 30%), magnesium (about 10%), sulfur (17%). Sold as a pinkish powder or granules. Dissolves quickly in liquid, but precipitates. The advantage is a minimum of chlorine (1-3%), suitable for almost all crops. Kalimagnesia is well accepted by potatoes, legumes, fruit bushes and trees. With proper use in potato tubers, the level of starch increases, in berries - sugar, ascorbic acid. A noticeable result is observed on sandy, peaty, loam soils only with sufficient moisture.
- Potassium carbonate, nitrophoska, nitroammofoska and liquid complex fertilizers also serve as a source of potassium.
Video about the timing and norms of using wood ash for top dressing.
From natural sources, it is worth highlighting wood ash. Potassium in it is 10%, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and other elements are present in the composition. Ash is applied throughout the growing season. In autumn and spring, the additive will improve the nutritional properties of the soil, in summer it will strengthen the developing plant.
When is potash applied?
The timing of application depends on the type of drug and the characteristics of a particular culture:
The importance of potassium for the existence of plants cannot be overestimated. Without this element, there would be no tasty and plentiful harvest, cultures would lag behind in development, get sick. Experienced gardeners rank potash fertilizers as one of the most important. Their timely and competent introduction into the soil protects plantings from diseases and pests.
All our plants on the site need nutrients, one of the sources is potash fertilizers, the use of which increases the taste of vegetables and the resistance of flowers to diseases and temperature changes.
Why fertilization is necessary and how to determine what exactly the plants lack. This can be determined by the change in color of the leaves.
There are several types of potash fertilizers used in horticulture, but they act in much the same way. In addition to pure potash fertilizers, the mineral substance is contained in amophosphate, nitrophosphate, potassium nitrate, and liquid complex fertilizers.
The need for potash fertilizers
Potassium is not involved in the construction of new organic compounds, building up green mass and fruits, but it performs the most important function, delivers nutrients through the roots of the plant to the stem and beyond. It strengthens tissues, making plants resistant to weather, insect pests or disease outbreaks.
The application of potash fertilizers, if carried out according to the rules, improves the taste and general qualities of crops. Potassium is one of constituent parts mandatory for participation in the cultivation of horticultural horticultural crops.
Most potassium is found in young shoots, sprouts, buds. If the plant lacks this substance, then it literally “draws juices” from the older parts of the plant and we observe changes in the form of a border along the edge of the leaves in the form of burns.
Potassium deficiency in plants
The soil must necessarily contain, if not all, then the main mineral fertilizers. Potassium is one of them. without this element, other top dressings become meaningless, since the plant will not be able to use them on its own.
Potassium deficiency begins to impersonate growth retardation. Then spots in the form of a mosaic begin to appear on older leaves. In the end, the same border appears along the edges of the young leaves, the leaves begin to curl, tuberosity appears.
How to use potash fertilizers
At the first manifestations of a lack of potassium, you just need to apply any of the potassium fertilizers:
- potassium sulfate
- Kalimagnesia
- potassium salt
- Potassium chloride
When applying, you must follow the rules that are usually indicated in the instructions for use. If there is a lot of it, then the plants will not be able to receive other elements, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus.
On heavy soils, potash fertilizers, especially chlorine-containing fertilizers, are applied in autumn before plowing. Then chlorine, which many plants cannot tolerate, is washed out into the deepest layers of the soil and becomes inaccessible to plants.
On light, loose soils, potash fertilizers are best applied at sowing, in the spring. Potassium is quickly washed out of the soil. But then it is better to use a fertilizer with no or minimal chlorine content, such as potassium sulfate.
Application of potassium-containing fertilizers for vegetables
Vegetables are very demanding on the content in the soil the right proportions. Usually, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are applied along with potash fertilizers. Although potassium does not greatly affect yield, it significantly improves fruit quality, especially in tomatoes. In cucumbers, a lack of potassium makes the fruits look like pears, with a strong narrowing near the stem and whitish.
How to apply potash fertilizers for cucumbers
Weak root system cucumbers affects their sensitivity to both lack and excess of fertilizers. If you overdo it with potassium, then magnesium starvation will occur in the plants.
Usually, potassium is applied under this culture in the spring. Before sowing, when preparing the beds, complex fertilizers are applied, depending on the condition of the soil.
Potassium sulfate for cucumbers can be applied along with organic matter, chicken manure or mullein, in liquid form and superphosphate.
If the soil is well fertilized since autumn, then potassium must be applied at the beginning of flowering, also with other fertilizers, and when cucumbers begin to set.
Potash fertilizer application scheme for cucumbers:
- 1st top dressing when sowing, per square area a bucket of compost, a teaspoon with a slide of superphosphate and a teaspoon without a slide of potassium sulfate.
- 2nd top dressing - at the very beginning of flowering, for 10 liters of water a glass of liquid mullein, a teaspoon of potassium sulfate.
- 3rd top dressing, during the period of fruit setting, per 10 liters of water, a glass of liquid mullein or chicken manure with a tablespoon of nitrophoska.
It is better not to use potassium chloride in greenhouses, it is better to do with potassium sulfate, which does not contain chlorine.
Application of potassium-containing fertilizers for tomatoes
For tomatoes, directly under the plants, it is also better to use potassium sulfate. Potassium chloride can be used for autumn preparation places for future plantings of tomatoes.
Especially this vegetable is not picky about potassium, although it significantly affects the taste and color of the fruit. But most of all, the introduction of potash fertilizers affects the resistance of the crop to diseases, this is especially good for tomatoes grown in greenhouses, since it is there that pathogenic bacteria like to settle.
Potassium application rates for tomatoes:
- 1st application when planting seedlings with full complex fertilizer.
- 2nd application at the beginning of flowering.
- 3rd application in the period of mass fruit set.
With good soil fertility, 1-2 tablespoons of fertilizer per square area is sufficient.
How to apply potash fertilizer for flowers
Flowers are quite demanding on potash fertilizers. With a lack of potassium, changes in appearance are very noticeable:
- Slow plant growth.
- Reducing the duration of flowering.
- Reducing the size of the buds.
- Shedding of foliage.
Potassium sulfate is usually applied along with nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers in spring and autumn. Not more than 15-20 grams per square meter, depending on the plant.
During the flowering period, plants especially need top dressing and potassium nitrate is usually used during this period.
Be attentive to your plants, notice everything external changes. Apply fertilizer strictly according to the instructions. You can not thoughtlessly pour them into the beds, guided by the principle "the more the better."
How and what to fertilize fruit trees, video
What are potash fertilizers, what is their effect on plants, what are these fertilizers made of. Every person who first started growing plants wants to know the answers to these questions. Let's try to figure it out together.
Potash fertilizers organic and mineral what it is and what it is obtained from, where it is mined
Mineral potash fertilizers are made from natural potash salts. The main countries in which potash ore is mined: Russia, Canada, Belarus. IN organic fertilizers also contains a small mass fraction of potassium in combination with other useful plants substances.
Potash fertilizers, their meaning and application for flowers
Potash fertilizers are applied to increase the yield in horticultural farms. Such top dressing helps flowers bloom profusely and for a long time. When used in combination with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, they help the plant resist diseases and adverse environmental conditions.
Potash fertilizer color and brand
The color of potash fertilizers may vary depending on the brand of the product:
- Potassium chloride brand K - white;
- Potassium chloride brand F - pink or red;
- Potassium nitrate grade B - white powder, sometimes with a grayish-yellow tint.
Potassium sulfate is a white crystalline powder, sometimes with a gray tint.
Potash fertilizers are harmful to humans and what can be replaced, solubility in water
Most mineral fertilizers are poisonous to humans. Their negative impact is most dangerous in the production process at chemical enterprises. Inhalation of dust containing mineral fertilizers causes bronchitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, etc. But potash fertilizers correct application not dangerous for humans. All of them are highly soluble in water.
Organic fertilizers contain a small percentage of potassium. In some farms, only humus, compost, manure and wood ash are used, replacing potash and all other types of fertilizers with them.
Potash fertilizers without chlorine types and names with a brief description
Potassium magnesia does not contain chlorine, it is used for chlorophobic plants that lack magnesium in the soil. This fertilizer contains about 30% potassium and about 15% magnesium. It is well stored due to the fact that it is not hygroscopic and does not cake. When top dressing, 10 grams (half matchbox) potassium magnesia per 1 square meter.
Does not contain chlorine and potassium nitrate. It contains potassium and nitrogen. Apply this fertilizer when planting seedlings and for summer feeding of plants. The application rate is 20 grams per 1 square meter.
Potassium sulfate also does not contain salt. This fertilizer contains sulfur, at least 48% potassium and 1% magnesium. It has a good effect on the development of cruciferous vegetables and greenhouse crops.
Where to buy and how much potash fertilizers cost in Ukraine and Russia
The cost of potash fertilizers depends on the manufacturer, package size and type. In different outlets prices may vary.
Approximate price in Ukraine:
- Potassium sulfate 500 grams - 22 UAH;
– Potash salt (potassium chloride) 1 kg – from 20 UAH;
– Kalimagnesia 50 kg – 450 UAH.
The cost of potash fertilizers in Russia:
- Mixed potash fertilizer (potassium chloride) 1 kg - 46 rubles;
- Potassium nitrate 1 kg - 114 rubles;
- Potassium sulfate 1 kg - 160 rubles.
You can buy fertilizers in stores selling goods for gardeners and gardeners or on the Internet.
When to apply potash fertilizers to the soil
Potash fertilizers are added to the soil in combination with phosphorus top dressing when planting seedlings in the spring. They are embedded directly into the hole. As necessary feeding for adult plants, potash fertilizers contribute the entire warm season- spring, summer, early autumn. In winter, fertilizer is not used.
Can potash fertilizer be applied in the snow
There is little benefit from fertilizing in the snow. They will quickly dissolve and wash away, along with the melting of snow, to neighboring areas or in wastewater. Plant roots will not receive the necessary nutrients and you desired result.
How to make potash fertilizers with your own hands from improvised means
A lot of potassium is found in wood ash - up to 40% in ash vine and potato tops. You can get ash in a city apartment from dried banana peel or dry grapevine by burning it in an iron bucket (no enamel).
In addition to potassium, wood ash contains phosphorus, calcium and a lot of needed by the plant trace elements, so it is a valuable fertilizer. For 10 liters of water, dilute 1 tbsp. ash and water the plants.
Potash fertilizer with the highest potassium content
Potassium chloride has the highest potassium content. It may contain more than 60% of this element. But given the negative impact of chlorine, this fertilizer is not suitable for all plants. Bring it only in the autumn top dressing.
Article considers interesting solution to obtain a fertilizer that is convenient to deal with to improve yields and feed various crops in...
Potash fertilizers, along with nitrogen and phosphorus, are the main mineral supplements required by plants. Potassium increases the resistance of plants to any adverse factors: low temperatures, lack of moisture, pests and diseases. He normalizes water regime plants, ensures their timely and abundant flowering. A sufficient amount provides good growth roots of plants, therefore, additional potassium nutrition is needed, first of all, for root crops. Potassium improves appearance fruits, it affects their aroma and color.
A lack of potassium makes the leaves of plants drooping and lifeless, often light green spots can be seen along the edge of the leaf. In the absence of this important element about three times the edge lower leaves become brown or rusty. When the leaves curl down and acquire a characteristic wrinkling, then we can talk about a serious potassium starvation of plants.
Some potash fertilizers contain chlorine, which adversely affects the growth of most plants. Therefore, it is desirable to use chlorine-containing fertilizers precisely when autumn processing soil. Potash fertilizers are perfectly soluble in water, so they can be applied in the form of liquid top dressing of various crops.
The main types of potash fertilizers
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the best known high potassium fertilizer. It contains up to 60% potassium. It's a drug universal application: suitable for almost all crops and can be used on any soil. Potassium chloride should be added to autumn period so that 40% of the chlorine included in its composition does not have negative impact on plants. During the winter, chlorine is washed out into the deeper soil layer. There are departures from general rule: celery and spinach respond well to root dressing namely potassium chloride. The use of potassium chloride in protected ground is not recommended in order to avoid an increased concentration of salts.
How to improve productivity?We are constantly getting letters in which amateur gardeners are worried that due to the cold summer this year, a poor harvest of potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Last year we published TIPS about this. But unfortunately, many did not listen, but some still applied. Here is a report from our reader, we want to advise plant growth biostimulantswhich will help increase the yield by up to 50-70%.
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One of the best potash fertilizers that do not contain chlorine is potassium sulfate (K2SO4). It contains up to 50% potassium and about 20% sulfur, necessary for plants for normal photosynthesis. Potassium sulphate is suitable for all cruciferous vegetables: for turnips, radishes, radishes and all types of cabbage. In protected ground, it is applied when planting seedlings and as top dressing in the summer, when the fruit is formed and ripened.
The recognized leader among fertilizers for greenhouse plants is potassium nitrate (KNO3). It is a potassium-nitrogen compound containing 45% potassium and 14% nitrogen. It has a beneficial effect on tomatoes grown in greenhouses. During fruit ripening, with a lack of potassium, solid green areas form in tomatoes, especially in the area of \u200b\u200bthe stalk.
For liquid dressings of most plants, 30-40 g of saltpeter is dissolved in a bucket of water, it can be applied during autumn or spring processing soil.
When potassium chloride is added to natural potassium salts (sylvinite or cainite), 40% is obtained. This fertilizer contains, in addition to potassium, also chlorine and sodium. not suitable for plants that are sensitive to high chlorine content, but it works well on beets, various fodder and table root crops. It is undesirable to use potassium salt in the spring and summer, it is applied during autumn tillage (30-40 g per 1 m2).
Potassium magnesia is well suited for sandy soils. Potassium-magnesium fertilizer containing up to 28% potassium and 16% magnesium. It is recommended to use it as a root top dressing. With the main application, the norm is 40 g / m², potassium magnesia can be applied in the spring before sowing seeds or before planting seedlings.
Potash fertilizer with the optimal content of potassium and phosphorus is potassium monophosphate. Perfect for root top dressing of tomatoes grown in protected ground. When watering, it is recommended to dissolve 10-15 grams per bucket of water. The first top dressing is carried out during the period of fruit setting, after 2-3 weeks - the second.
A good fertilizer containing readily available potassium is wood ash. It also contains phosphorus, calcium and a large number of trace elements, vital needed by plants. Potassium is included in its composition in the form of potassium carbonate - potash (KCO3).
The ash obtained from the burning of birch firewood contains up to 13% potassium. Ash should be stored in a dry place, damp potash loses its beneficial features. Ash can be used at any time of the year: in the fall they are brought in for digging, in spring and summer during the entire period of development of horticultural and horticultural crops. Ash has a positive effect on all plants.
How to apply potash fertilizers to different crops
Potassium-loving plants include the following crops: peas, melon, cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, peppers, radishes, radishes, lettuce, beets, pumpkins, pears, cherries, gooseberries, plums, red currants, apple trees. Vegetable crops are recommended to be systematically fed with a weakly concentrated solution throughout the entire period of plant development. Potash fertilizers can be mixed with nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers and applied simultaneously. Under garden plants it is recommended to apply potash fertilizers only twice. First, in the first half of summer, when the orchard intensively increases its green mass. Then in the second half of summer, during the period of root growth and fruiting. For berry crops good effect give regular fertilizing with potassium sulfate.
By the name of complex fertilizers, you can always understand whether they contain potassium. If the name has the ending "-ka", it indicates the presence of this element. For example: nitrophoska, nitroammofoska, carboammofoska. These fertilizers contain potassium compounds, which contain 15 to 19 percent potassium.
Potassium deficiency for cucumber patch leads to the fact that the fruits acquire a pear-shaped shape: narrow, underdeveloped from the side of the stalk and swollen from the other end.
All nightshade crops, these include potatoes, tomatoes and peppers, need potassium more than other plants. When feeding these vegetable crops you can increase the recommended dose of drugs by about one and a half times.
It is advisable to do top dressing after showers, when the potassium content in the leaves decreases. For foliar dressings a solution of potassium sulfate is well suited. Almost all plants need additional potassium nutrition during flowering, during this period it is recommended to make potassium nitrate.
The increased content of potassium does not harm plants, but its high concentration in the soil slows down the absorption of other useful elements. Therefore, when applying potash fertilizers, it is necessary to comply with the norms specified in the instructions for use.
The judicious use of fertilizers containing potassium increases the resistance of plants to the vagaries of the weather, improves the appearance and taste of fruits. It is almost impossible to get a rich harvest without using them.
Potassium supplements
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