The use of potassium salt in agriculture as a fertilizer. Potassium salt fertilizer instructions for use

Today it is impossible to do without mineral fertilizers, especially when growing plants on poor soils. The use of organic matter alone is unlikely to produce a good harvest. Potassium plays a very important role in the growth and development of vegetables, fruits and berries. Its source is potassium salt, from which a number of fertilizers are produced.

Potassium in plant life

This element is widely used in agriculture, since many types of soils suffer from its lack. Its influence on the future harvest is difficult to overestimate. The lack of potassium has a negative effect on plants, after all, he actively participates in their life and performs the following functions:

1. Protects crops from drought;
2. Increases frost resistance;
3. Increases resistance to disease;
4. Increases fruit set;
5. Makes fruits sweeter and more sugary, and potatoes starchy;
6. Helps the crop to be stored better.

Potassium deficiency is quite easy to determine. You need to take a closer look at the plants and pay attention to such signs as:

1. The appearance of reddish-rusty spots on the leaves;
2. Drying of the tips and sometimes the edges of the leaves;
3. Slow development;
4. Fruits are too small;
5. Pale and twisted stem.

If potassium fertilizers are not applied in these cases, you can lose the bulk of the crop.

Extraction and application of fertilizer

The natural source of such an important element is deposits of potassium salt. They are formed as a result of a gradual change in the state of the solution of potassium reservoirs due to frequent evaporation and cooling, and they are located near the places where rock salt occurs.

This salt appears as brown or pinkish crystals. and consists of potassium chloride, sylvinite and kainite. Potassium mining is carried out by mining and is a rather dangerous occupation. After all, the layers of this rock are very fragile and often collapse.

During mining, the poorest layers are processed using mechanical methods into kainites and sylvinites, and salts with a high potassium content are sent to chemical plants.

Potassium salt deposits

This salt is mined in many countries of the world: Germany, Canada, USA, India, Italy, Israel, Great Britain, Jordan, Israel, Belarus, Ukraine. Our country is not far behind them - we have a quarter of the world's total reserves of this breed. The largest deposits of potassium salts in Russia are Gremyachinskoye in the territory Volgograd region and Verkhnekamskoye in Perm region.

Popular Uses

The scope of application of this type of salt is national economy wide enough. It is used in medical, electrometallurgical, chemical industries industry. It is indispensable in the manufacture of various pyrotechnics, soap, glass, paints, and leather. But greatest distribution Potassium salt was obtained in the agricultural industry. After all, not a single farm can do without fertilizers made on its basis for a long time.

Types of mineral fertilizers

There are several types of mineral fertilizers, the raw material for the production of which is potassium salt with the formula K2O. Here they are:

Because chemical composition fertilizers are different from each other, they are also used slightly differently.

Rules of application

Potassium is one of those elements whose reserves in the soil must be regularly replenished. This especially applies to areas that are constantly used as farmland. And the higher the harvest, the less potassium remains in the soil by the end of the season.

When using fertilizers with potassium salt, the instructions for their use must be strictly followed. Practicing different ways adding potassium fertilizers to the soil:

Individual plant species relate to potassium differently, so many factors must be taken into account when adding this mineral. So that the fertilizer brings maximum benefit, the following principles must be observed:

You should not be too zealous with potassium supplements. It is recommended to closely monitor the development of garden crops, and if signs of an excess of potassium appear in them, you should stop adding it. These are the signs:

• a sharp slowdown in growth;
• reduction in size and too light color of the leaf plate;
• rough skin of the fruit and loss of taste.

The properties and uses of potassium salt are useful for anyone involved in gardening. This will help you get a rich harvest and not harm the soil and plants.

The most important potassium salts are chloride and sulfate and the minerals they form.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Potassium chloride and other halides crystallize from aqueous solutions like NaCl. Above 0° (except KF -2 H 20) anhydrous salts crystallize. There is a crystalline hydrate KS1 H20, melting the neck at -5.30°; eutectic temperature KS1-H20 + ice -9.80e1.

The density of KS1 crystals is 1.99 g/cm3; heat of fusion 6.41 kcal/mol; heat of sublimation (KS1Kr-KS1G) 53.4 kcal/mol. The melting and boiling points of potassium halides increase in the series I-+F:

Melting temperature, °C Boiling temperature, °C

KI........................... 682 1330

KVg............................. 728 1376

KS1 ..................... 768 1417

KF........................ 856 1505

Potassium also forms polyhalides, for example Kb-3HgO, K1Cl4, etc.

Saturated aqueous solutions of potassium halides contain the following amounts of dissolved substance (in weight %):

KI................................... 56.2 59.8 67.35

KVg............................. 34.92 40.7 61.20

KS1................................... 21.90 26.45 35.90

KF........................................ 30.70 48.90 " 59.80

The solubility diagram in the KCI-NaCl-H20 system is shown in Fig. 38.

Sulfate potassium K2SO4 - forms four polymorphs with transformation temperatures of 300, 350, 449 and 585°2; it melts at 1069°. There are a number of acid salts of potassium sulfate, the melting point of which is significantly lower than at Medium salt; for example, for KzN(504)2 it is equal to 350°3.

The solubility of potassium sulfate in water at 0° is 6.71%; 25° - 10.75% and 100° - 19.4% - Crystallizes from aqueous solutions without -

Water level, and below 9.7° K2S04-H20; the melting point of the eutectic K2S 04 H20 + ice is 1.55°4.

Water vapor pressure over saturated solutions at 100° for KS1 -567.8 mmHg Art., for K2S04 -723.8 mmrt. Art.Oh yeah The phenomenon of steam over solutions of the K+, Na+, Mg system 2+ || Cr, SO4 See 5"6. About pressure at high temperatures see 7.

APPLICATION

Potassium salts are used mainly as mineral fertilizers. The main product of the potash industry is potassium chloride, about 95% of which is used as a mineral fertilizer, and the remaining 5% is processed into caustic potassium and other potassium compounds.

From total number potassium fertilizer salts 8-10%" are produced in the form of potassium sulfate and double salt of potassium and magnesium sulfates (K2S04>MgS04), potassium magnesium, used to fertilize soils for chlorophobic crops (tobacco, citrus fruits, etc.), the quality of which deteriorates under the influence of the ion chlorine

Until recently, the main producers of potassium salts were the USSR, USA, East Germany, Germany and France. Since 1965, the potash industry in Canada has been rapidly developing on the basis of the Saskatchewan deposit; It is expected that production levels in Canada will soon exceed those in the United States. Relatively small quantities potassium salts are produced in Spain, Israel and Italy; Preparations are underway for the development of potash deposits in Congo and Ethiopia. The total production of potassium salts over the past ten years has increased more than 2 times and currently amounts (in terms of KgO) to 15 million. T per year.

According to the increase in production, consumption per unit of agricultural area increased, which in a number of highly developed countries reached the optimal level for this type of soil. The amount of introduced salts in terms of KgO in kg by 1 ha agricultural area is: in the USA - 70, Belgium - 120, Japan - 103, Germany - 80. However, in many countries this value does not exceed 1-1.5 kg.

In small quantities, raw (i.e. not enriched) potassium salts containing about 20% K20, extracted from the subsoil, are used as fertilizer.

The quality of potassium chloride produced in the USSR is regulated by GOST 4568-65; Depending on the production method, potassium chloride is produced in two grades: K - obtained by crystallization from solution and F - by flotation enrichment of potassium ores (Table 15).

TABLE 15

BrandTO Brand F Variety Variety Higher First Second Second Third Potassium chloride (KS1): In terms of dry weight Amount in %, not less In terms of KgO in %, No less than................................... Moisture in%, no more.... Sodium chloride (NaCl) in pe Calculation on dry matter In %, no more................................... Insoluble residue in water In terms of dry matter 0 ,1 Volume in %, no more.... Normalized

Potassium chloride supplied to agriculture must be non-caking; in order to eliminate caking, it is allowed to treat it with amines or other reagents.

Along with the production of fine-crystalline potassium chloride, it is also planned to produce a granular or coarse-crystalline product obtained by crystallization from solutions and flotation enrichment; for grades 3 and 2 contents of class 4-2 mm must be at least 80% and class 1-2 mm- no more than 20%.

Sulfate-potassium fertilizers in the USSR are produced in the form of potassium sulfate, potassium magnesium (double salt of potassium and magnesium sulfates with admixtures of potassium and sodium chlorides) and potassium-magnesium concentrate obtained by flotation enrichment of kai-nito-langbeinite ore.

Calimagnesia in accordance with technical specifications contains in terms of dry matter: in grade 1 KgO at least 30%, in grade 2 28%; MgO, respectively, 20 and 8%; the chlorine content should not exceed 5% for grade 1; for grade 2 it is not regulated. The moisture content for grades 1 and 2 should be no more than 5%, including hygroscopic - no more than 2%. The material must pass through a sieve with 5 holes mm.

19,0 17,5 9,0 8,0 4,0 4,0

Potassium-magnesium concentrate is also produced in two grades:

Grade 1 Grade 2

KgO in terms of dehydrated substance in 96, not less

MgO in terms of dehydrated substance in%, not less

Moisture in%, no more...................................

Residue on sieve with 3 holes mm In %, no more

Potassium sulfate, obtained by processing polymineral ores according to the regulations developed by VNIIG, is produced in grades 1 and 2. Content (in%, in terms of dry matter): KgO for 1st grade is not less than 50, for 2nd - 45; chlorine ion no more than 0.5 and 2, respectively. Moisture no more than 0.5% for both varieties.

Potassium chloride produced in foreign countries, is produced with a content of at least 60-61% ChO in the form of the so-called standard (fine-crystalline with a minimum content of dust fractions), coarse-crystalline, with an average grain size (0.5-2.3 mm) and granular - (0.8-3.3 lsh). On special orders, fine potassium chloride (0.1-0.2 mm).

Potassium chloride, produced for technical purposes, is used to produce potassium hydroxide, potassium chlorate and perchlorate, used as bleaches and in the production of explosives, potassium bromide and iodide, used
in the pharmaceutical and photographic industries, potassium carbonate, used to produce special glasses and glazes, potassium silicate (K2Si20s), used for impregnating wood, bleaching fabrics and other purposes, potassium cyanide - a reagent for extracting gold from ores, potassium peroxide (POg) and other peroxide compounds for air regeneration, and other potassium compounds. KS1 crystals have very high transparency for infrared rays, which is why they are used in some optical instruments.

RAW MATERIALS

Potassium content in earth's crust is -1.5%. Potassium is part of aluminosilicates that make up many rocks, feldspars, granites, leucites, gneisses, solid fossil salt deposits and brines of marine and continental origin. Soil components, especially clay substances, actively retain (by sorption) potassium, which, in particular, is very important for plant life. Thanks to this ability of soils, the leaching of potassium occurs relatively slowly, resulting in the content of its salts in natural waters, as a rule, many times lower than sodium and magnesium salts.

In table 16 presents the main, most common potassium minerals.

TABLE 16

Composition and properties of the most common potassium minerals

Sylvin Carnallite Arcanite Cainite

Bromocarnallite

Langbeinnt

Caliborite

Glaserite

Polyhalite

Glauconite

KS1. ................................................." ................

KS1 MgCI2 6N20............................................... .

K2so4 ................................................

KCl-MgS04-3H20................................................. .......

KBr MgBr2 6H20................................................. ..

K2S04-MgS04-6H20.................................................... .....

K2S04 MgSO^ 4H2-0............................................

K2S04-2MgS04............................................ .........

K2S04 CaS04 H20.................................................... ..

K20 4MgO 11B203 18H20.................................

3K8S04-Na2S04............................................... .........

K2S04 MgS04 2CaS04 2H20.................................

(K, Na)20 A1203 2SiOa.....................................

(K, Na)2S04 A13(S04)3 4Al(OH)3.................................

K20 A1203 4Si02............................................ ...

KK, Na)20 +(Mg, Ca, Fe)0].(Fe, A1)203.4S|02.2H20

1,57 2,66 2,070-2,19

2- 3 2 2,5 3 3- 4 2,5 4- 5 2,5-3 5-6 3,5-4 5-6 2 -3

2,176 2,03-2,15 2,25 2,83 2,58-2,60 2,13 2,70 2,72-2,78 2,60 2,60-2,80 2,45-2,50 2,2-2,8

Potassium ores are determined by the predominant content of certain minerals in them. Silvinite is a rock consisting of sylvite (10-60%) and halite (25-70%) with

Symi anhydrite, magnesium carbonate and clayey substances. There are sylvinites with carnallite veinlets or a mixture of sylvinites with carnallites.

The world's largest deposit of potassium salts, the Verkhnekamskoye deposit, is represented by sylvinite and carnallite ores; its origin is associated with the evaporation of the Permian Sea basins. An approximate diagram of the geological section of the field in the Solikamsk region is shown in Fig. 39 (according to A. A. Ivanov). Under the cap rocks of the alluvial layer (limestones, clays and anhydrite) there is a layer of cap rock salt, below it lies

Carnallite zone, the thickness of which reaches 100 in some areas m. In it, layers of yellow carnallite rock containing 50-£5% carnallite are layered rock salt. In the upper and lower parts of the carnallite zone, sylvinite rock occurs in places. Beneath the carnallite zone lies the main sylvinite zone, the average thickness of which reaches 30 m. The upper horizon of this zone consists of variegated sylvinite - a mixture of milky white sylvite crystals with gray, blue and blue halite crystals. Under the variegated sylvinite lies a horizon of red sylvinite - a mixture of wax-red sylvinite with blue rock salt. The KS1 content varies in the zone of variegated sylvinites from 40 to 55%, in the zone of red sylvinites from 10 to 35%. Underneath the sylvinite zone lies a thick layer of rock salt. The upper surface of the salt mass is located below earth's surface at depths from 100 to 350 m. The salt deposit has the shape of a large lens, elongated in the meridian direction. Potassium ores of the Verkhnekamsk deposit are mined from a layer of variegated sylvinites. The KS1 content in mined sylvinite varies on average from 23 to 30%, NaCl

From 65 to 75%, insoluble clay substances - 0.5-3%; the content of bromine, found in ores in the form of bromine carnallite, ranges from 0.06 to 0.17% 8.

One of distinctive features Verkhnekamsk place - ^ birth is a relatively high content of gases in the form of microinclusions and “free” gases - in the pores and voids of the rock 9-sh. The gases include hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide; flammable gases (H2 and CH4) are found mainly in carnallite ores.

IN recent years The exploitation of a large deposit of potassium ores in Belarus - Starobinsky (Upper Devonian deposits) began. The deposit is represented by sylvinites with small admixtures of carnallite; the content of clayey substances ranges from 4-5 to 10-12%.

Pre-Carpathian deposits of potassium salts (Miocene era) are represented by a number of potassium-bearing lenses composed of sulfate-nopotassium minerals. Potassium rocks are interlayered with clayey or pure rock salt. The Kalush-Golynskoye and Stebnikovskoye deposits, represented by sulfate-chloride minerals, are of greatest industrial importance; ores are composed of kainite rock (halite 20-40%, kainite 35-60%, polyhalite 3-7%, clayey material 6-15%) and langbeinite-kai - nit rock (halite - 30%, kainite 20-30%, langbeinite 10-20%, sylvite 5-10%, kieserite 5-10%, clay materials -

Up to 20%) h-13

In addition to those listed, deposits of water-soluble potash ores in the USSR are located in Central Asia(Gaurdak and Karlyuk), in the Volga-Emba region and a number of others.

Deposits of potassium salts in the German Democratic Republic and Germany contain, along with sylvite, halite and carnallite, significant quantities of kieserite, anhydrite, as well as admixtures of kainite, langbeinpt, tachhydrite (CaCl2 MgCl2 12H20). The presence of significant quantities of sulfate-chloride minerals is associated with the conditions of formation of the deposit, the salt basin of which was the Zechstein Sea with a relatively low degree of brine metamorphization. The ores of the deposit are divided into hartzel - tse and carnallite.

Approximate composition of Hartsaltz rocks (in%):

Cernite Anhydrite Hartsaltz Hartsaltz

20-24 20-23 40-60 50-61 17-28 0,5 1,5 15-20

One of the largest V world potassium salt deposits are located in Canada (Saskatchewan), its exploitation began in

60s. The deposit is represented by sylvinite and kar -Nallite ores located at considerable depths 14.

For the first time in world practice, at this deposit, along with the mine method, the extraction of potassium salts by underground leaching was organized 15.

In the USA, potassium deposits are composed of sylvinite and carnallite ores; in some areas there are layers of langbeinite (New Mexico).

Potassium deposits in France and Spain are represented by sylvinite and carnallite ores. In Italy, ores containing kainite, carnallite and sylvinite are processed.

The water of the oceans and seas contains 0.05% potassium. With a volume of water in the world's oceans of 1370-106 km 3, the potassium content in it is approximately 7-1014 tons of KgO, which exceeds the known reserves of potassium salt deposits by more than 10 million times. Thus, the world ocean is a practically inexhaustible source of potassium salts. Some types of algae (Macrocystis, etc.) actively extract potassium from sea ​​water, so the ash of these plants can serve as a source of potassium. From a sea area of ​​400 km2 It is possible to collect annually such an amount of algae, the processing of which produces more than 1 million. t KgO 16.

In recent years, the production of potassium salts from condensed Dead Sea brine has increased significantly 17"18. Potassium salts are obtained by complex processing brine lake Searles (USA, California)19. This deposit is represented by a so-called dry lake - brine permeates the salt layer of the lake and is extracted from wells. The salt layer consists of halite, glaserite (3K2S04 Na2S04), trona (Na2C03 NaHCOg 2H20) and boron minerals. A significant amount of potassium-containing brines is found in the lake. Inder (USSR), which also belongs to the type of dry lakes20.

Source for industrial production Polyhalite ores, deposits of which in the USSR are located in the Zhilyansky and Volga-Embinsky regions, can serve as potassium. Industrial extraction of potassium salts from polyhalites has not yet been carried out. It has been established that polyhalite rock washed from NaCl is a good mineral fertilizer.

An additional source of potassium salts is dust separated in electric precipitators of cement kilns. The raw mixture used for the preparation of cement contains 0.2-!% ChO, a significant part of which is sublimated during the calcination process and is released when the temperature decreases in electric precipitators. The K20 content in water-soluble form in this product is 20-30%.

Processing of sylvinite, hartsaltz and carnallite ores into potassium chloride is carried out:

1) The method of dissolution and separate crystallization, based on the difference in temperature coefficients of solubility of the salt components of the ore (this method is also called thermal or halurgical).

2) Mechanical enrichment of rock, mainly flotation; Gravity separation in the beneficiation of potash ores is not widely used.

3) A combination of flotation enrichment with dissolution and crystallization of fine ore fractions; Schemes of this kind have begun to be widely used in recent years in foreign practice.

4) Underground leaching of ore followed by processing of the brine by evaporation and crystallization; This method is currently used only in Canada when processing ore located at great depths.

Potassium salt is the starting material for the production of fertilizers. Natural materials are used for this: sylvinite, carnallite, kainite, shenite and a number of others. They are extracted from deposits in the form of layers or lenses, lake sediments. Potassium salt belongs to the non-metallic group; it and its compounds have a wide range of applications in different industries. They are mainly used to make fertilizers, in addition, they are used in the production of detergents, chemical reagents, glass, in medicine, for tanning leather, in the processing of silver and Regardless of what kind of potassium salt it is, its formula contains an element that served as the basis for its names. Despite the versatility of using this raw material, its main purpose is production

In agriculture, potassium salt sylvinite is often used. Fertilizers are made from it by mechanical grinding. Sylvinite is a compound of sodium. It looks like large crystals of bluish, white or pinkish color. It has low hygroscopicity, so the fertilizer is easily applied to the ground and does not cake. Due to the large amount of sodium in it, it is better to use it for crops that are resistant to it: beets, carrots. Cainite is also considered a good raw material for fertilizers. Due to its high chlorine content, it is mainly used when plowing land in the fall intended for crops resistant to this element.

Another common fertilizer is its low price, but the effect of its use is appreciated by many agricultural producers. This material is in the form of white granules or crystalline salt. Due to the high concentration of the nutrient, which is easily absorbed by plants, it is the most popular fertilizer in agriculture. It is obtained by processing sylvinite using the dissolution and crystallization method or flotation. This substance is also characterized by low hygroscopicity. Its use for a number of crops is limited by its high chlorine content. It is mainly used as a top dressing and for crops of buckwheat, potatoes and cruciferous vegetables.

There is a fertilizer of the same name - potassium salt. Externally, it looks like orange-brown or pink crystals gray. This type of fertilizer is produced by combining ground sylvinite and potassium chloride. This supplement due to its high concentration chemicals used only when plowing the land in the fall.

Calimagnesia is made from schenite. Outwardly, it looks like whitish crystals. Kalimag is produced by grinding langbeinite ore. This fertilizer is very similar to the previous one. The main difference is the reduced content of magnesium and potassium. Due to the absence of chlorine, these two fertilizers can be used to grow crops sensitive to this element.

It is considered the main type of spring-summer feeding. It is produced in crystalline form white powder, which can be completely dissolved in water. Thanks to last fact, it can be used in the form of drip feeding in irrigation complexes. In terms of efficiency, this fertilizer can be given one of the first places.

For proper development plants need nutrients. Potassium is the most important of these. It accumulates in the aboveground part of the flora; its deficiency in the soil has a dramatic effect on the stems and leaves. It can get into the beds with organic matter (manure, compost) or with the application of potassium fertilizers. Promotes productivity, plant resistance to diseases, improves product quality. It is applied in combination with other nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.

Depending on the structure of the soil, the potassium content in it varies. Most of it is found in heavy (loam, clayey) soils - about 3%. In the lungs there is less of it - 0.05% and the most depleted are peat bogs.

Most of the potassium is in insoluble compounds, so the digestibility of the element from the earth is low - only 10%. The lack of nutrients in vegetable crops can be replenished only by applying potassium fertilizers, which dissolve well in water, and potassium becomes easily accessible.

The need to use potassium fertilizers

Potassium does not form new organic compounds. It is not a builder of cells and their energy carrier, like nitrogen and phosphorus, but without its participation the movement of sap from the soil into the stems and leaves is not possible. It helps strengthen tissues, increase immunity to unfavorable conditions and diseases. Its deficiency significantly affects the development of flora:

• stems become weak;
• budding is delayed;
• protein formation in cells stops.

External signs of potassium deficiency:

• the leaves turn yellow, then turn brown in spots, and begin to die off at the edges;
• the stems become thinner and less dense;
• the leaves wrinkle and then curl into tubes;
• the plant stops growing.

If there is sufficient potassium in plants:

• cellular metabolism is enhanced, oxidative processes in them are more intense;
• photosynthesis accelerates, the formation of enzymes increases, the exchange of proteins and carbohydrates is easier;
• Plants better tolerate a lack of moisture and cold weather, and their immunity to disease increases.

They need it more than other useful elements. For the proper development of vegetable crops on an area of ​​1 hectare, 250 kg of potassium is required.

Although all plants need potassium, everyone's need for it is different. Most of all people need this element:

• from vegetables - tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, beans, eggplants, carrots, melons, rhubarb, cabbage;
• from fruits and berries - apple tree, pear, plum, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, citrus fruits;
• flowers - callas, hydrangeas, gerberas, anthuriums, streptocarpus;
• grains – buckwheat, flax, barley.

Properties of fertilizers

Potassium fertilizers are produced in two classes - chloride and sulfate. Each of them has its own purpose, strengths and weaknesses.

The former increase productivity and immunity, form root crops, increase the shelf life of products, but due to the chlorine content they must be applied in advance ( better in autumn), since not all cultures respond well to it. An excess of this element leads to acidification of the soil, so they can only be used for light soils and cannot be used for feeding nightshades and indoor plants. Despite the differences in name, their properties and conditions of use are the same.

Potassium sulfate (sulfate) contains, in addition to sulfur, magnesium and calcium and has a beneficial effect on the development and taste qualities fruits Great value has the fact that it can be used at any time and is suitable for all vegetable and fruit crops.

Here are some of these fertilizers:

• Potassium chloride is the most common fertilizer that comes in the form of crystals pink color. It is very hygroscopic, so it cakes quickly and then dissolves poorly. Due to the high chlorine content (up to 40%), this fertilizer cannot be used for crops that react painfully to it (tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, beans, indoor plants), so it needs to be applied long before planting (preferably in the fall) so that the element has time to evaporate. Use in doses. This will prevent the soil from becoming acidic.

• Potassium salt is a mixture of potassium chloride with ground natural salts from which it is produced - sylvinite or kainite. It contains even more chlorine than in the previous complex; it is also applied in the fall as the main fertilizer for any vegetables. Moreover, its dose should be increased by 1.5 times. Not suitable for acidic, heavy soils.
• Potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate) is small gray crystals, highly soluble in water. In addition to sulfur and potassium, it contains magnesium and calcium, which makes feeding even more useful. Sulfur also has benefits - it prevents nitrates from accumulating in vegetables. Due to the absence of chlorine, it can be used at any time and on all plants. Cannot be used in combination with lime additives.

• Potassium nitrate is a complex potassium-nitrogen fertilizer, used mainly in protected soils. It must be stored in a dry place, otherwise it, like potassium chloride, may harden. Before planting seedlings, add up to 36 grams per 1 square meter to the beds. meter, for root feeding - 18-20 g per square meter. meter. Suitable for neutral soils.
• Potassium magnesium is a potassium-magnesium supplement. Used for plants that respond well to magnesium but do not respond well to chlorine. Effective for light soils, dissolves in water with sediment. Does not cake and disperses well.
• Potassium carbonate (potassium carbonate) is suitable for acidic soils for potatoes. It is very hygroscopic and cakes quickly, so it is mixed with peat before application.
• Wood ash also contains a lot of potassium and is the most accessible mineral fertilizer. It is used on all soils; it can be applied at any time dry or in the form of a solution (you can soak the seeds in it - this will increase their germination), but cannot be mixed with manure and nitrogen fertilizers.

In the ash deciduous trees there is 2-3 times more potassium than in conifers, and the ashes of old trunks contain less nutrients than in young ones. It does not contain chlorine and can be used on any plant.

Rules for using fertilizers

Correct use of potassium fertilizers increases plant resistance to pathogenic influences, while improper use can lead to adverse consequences. For each crop, there are optimal rates and timing of fertilizing, which ensure best conditions their development throughout the growing season. They are most in demand during flowering, bud formation and ovary formation. It is much more effective to feed in small doses many times during the season than in a large dose at once.

Indoor plants need to be fed carefully, and dosages must be strictly observed, since they can only be fertilized during periods of intensive growth. In case of an overdose, crops begin to hurt and lose leaves and shoots.

As for vegetable crops, especially nightshades - potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, they have an increased need for potassium, so they need to be fed more often:

• The main (pre-sowing) application of this fertilizer is carried out in advance, often in the fall, allowing chlorine to be neutralized by spreading it over dug up beds. Nutrients enough for the whole next season.
• Starter (pre-sowing) - feeding when planting seedlings and seeds - provides powerful nutrition during the rooting of young shoots.
• Post-sowing fertilizing is necessary to enhance nutrition during the period of intensive growth.

Potassium nitrate is the most popular among gardeners. It is suitable for most plants and there are no hard and fast rules for its use. It is used in liquid form, at the rate of 30-40 grams of powder per 10 liters of water. Water 1 liter at the root; for cucumbers 0.5 liter is enough.

It should be borne in mind that potassium is easily washed out by rain, so it is added after precipitation. Incompatible with ammonia fertilizers - they interfere with its absorption.

When applying complex fertilizers in the spring, the potassium content in the mixture should be higher than nitrogen; when applying fertilizers in the fall, on the contrary, it should be lower.

When growing vegetable and fruit crops on the same areas, when after each season there are fewer microelements left in the soil, it is impossible to obtain a good harvest. The desire of many gardeners to limit themselves only to organic feeding is not justified, since the use of manure alone can lead to a large number nitrates in the crop. Therefore, a high-quality product can be obtained through the timely and optimal use of a complex of mineral fertilizers.

To obtain high yields, farmers use various fertilizers. One of the types mineral supplements is considered a potassium supplement that replenishes the lack of potassium in plants. In most cases, such a composition can be found in the form of a salt soluble in water, less often - in combination with other components.

The role of potassium in plant life is great. What gardener doesn't use them?! Mining is carried out from ore in natural deposits. This fertilizer can be used on any soil composition:

• black soil;
• clayey terrain;
• on sandy beds.

Potassium is considered an important component that helps in the development of plantings, as it distributes sugar throughout the tissues to ensure normal nutrition and the formation of sweet and juicy fruits.

It combines well with many mineral components and creates complex mixtures with them. There are many tools, and each has a different name.

How to determine mineral deficiency in soil

Plants cultivated in light peat areas are in greatest need of potassium supply. Signs of deficiency of this element are especially pronounced in the summer season:

• Brown spots appear on the leaves;
• the foliage changes color, becoming yellow or bluish with a bronze tint;
• “edge burns” are observed - the tips and edges of the leaf begin to die;
• the veins are deeply immersed in the green tissue;
• the stem becomes thin;
• planting stops intensive growth;
• wrinkles appear on the leaves and they curl;
• the process of bud formation is suspended.

Types of potash fertilizers

If we consider the chemical composition, the potassium group is divided into chloride and sulfate, and according to their production they are raw and concentrated.

Each type is distinguished by its positive and negative characteristics and has its own application features.

Potassium chloride

- the most popular option, represented by pink crystals, which perfectly absorb water and can cake during improperly organized storage, which will significantly worsen their dissolution at the time of use.

The fertilizer contains about forty percent chlorine, so this fertilizer is not used for chlorophobic plants. It is best to apply in autumn season so that the chlorine evaporates from the soil as quickly as possible.

The main disadvantage is the ability to accumulate salts in the soil, increasing its acidity.

Close-up of potassium chloride granules

Based on the above, fertilizer must be applied in advance, to avoid overdose.

Potassium sulfate

Small gray crystals, easily soluble in water. They do not absorb moisture and do not cake during storage. The composition includes magnesium and calcium, which only improves useful qualities for plants.

The presence of sulfur prevents the accumulation of nitrates and prolongs the survival of plants. This allows you to feed vegetable crops with this fertilizer.

There is no chlorine in the fertilizer, for this reason it can be used at any time on almost all soil compositions. The exception is lands with increased level acidity.

Potassium sulfate

Wood ash

A universal and generally available product, suitable for all plants and almost all soil compositions. The fertilizer does not contain chlorine and can be used at any time. The ash is added in a dry state and diluted with water.

It is not mixed with manure and bird droppings, nor combined with nitrogen mixtures and superphosphates.

Wood ash

Potassium salt

This is a mixture consisting of potassium chloride and finely ground sylvinites. The percentage reaches forty, which makes feeding not so suitable for feeding plants that are sensitive to potassium chloride. For this reason, the composition is applied to the soil in the fall, when digging the beds. In the spring, it is allowed to use salt if the soil is very waterlogged. The water will wash away the chlorine, and the potassium will remain in the soil. IN summer time composition is not used.

If we compare the fertilizer with potassium chloride, then one and a half times more salts can be added.

Potassium salt

Calimagnesia

Does not contain chlorine, excellent for feeding potatoes, tomato plants and other vegetable crops. Due to its magnesium content, the product is recommended for use on sandy and sandy loam beds. The drug is hygroscopic and disperses well.

Calimagnesia

Potash

The composition is characterized by increased hygroscopicity and quickly begins to cake if it is moistened. In this case, its properties are lost. To improve its characteristics, lime is sometimes added to it, but then there is a risk of increasing acidity in the soil.

Potash

Potassium nitrate

Contains nitrogen, which has a beneficial effect on plant development. The fertilizer composition is perfectly preserved in dry storage. With little moisture it hardens and becomes almost unusable. It should be applied in the spring, during planting. The use of saltpeter is also allowed in the summer season.

Potassium nitrate

Meaning of cement dust

The element is part of a variety of salts that are highly soluble, which makes it possible for potassium to easily saturate plant cells. It is used for crops that react poorly to chlorine. It can also be used to neutralize the acidity of the soil. Therefore, the importance of such feeding is great.

Cement dust

The value of fertilizing in plant life

Oxidation in plant cells occurs more intensely, and an increase in cellular metabolism is observed. Crops easily respond to insufficient moisture, photosynthesis occurs faster. There is a rapid adaptation to negative temperatures, the level of resistance to pathogenic manifestations increases.

Application technology for plants

There are three known options for using fertilizers:

• pre-sowing;
• pre-sowing;
• post-sowing.

It is most used in the fall, since many of its varieties contain chlorine. Dosages are set taking into account the depletion of the land.

It will be better if you scatter the fertilizer over the surface several times, maintaining a distance of fifteen centimeters from the roots. Liquid formulations work effectively; they should be prepared according to the instructions.

The supplement is really popular. It is only necessary to remember that an excessive dose of potassium or violations in the use of the composition harm not only the plants, but also the soil composition. Particular care should be taken with formulations containing chlorine.