Types of potash fertilizers, their properties and application

To get a good harvest, you need to use a variety of feeding. Of the many types of various mineral fertilizers, potassium fertilization remains, which makes up for its deficiency in plants. In most cases, a similar composition can be found in the form of a completely soluble salt in water. Sometimes - together with other components. In this article, we will talk about the types of potash fertilizers.

What types of fertilizers are potash

The role of potassium for plant development is extremely important. Any gardener always uses it. They are mined mainly from ore. This top dressing is applied to any soil: black soil, clay or sand.

Potassium is rightfully the most important component that helps the growth and development of crops. Since it promotes the spread of sugar throughout all tissues, thereby providing good and nutritious nutrition, as well as the setting and ripening of sweet and abundant fruit juice.

The component is responsible for the development of foliage and improves the immunity of the crop to various diseases and pests. Fruits lacking potassium keep well in winter. Fertilizers added to the soil are absorbed by crops almost completely.

It combines excellently with many mineral constituents. Including creates joint mixtures with them. There are many tools, and each has its own name.

Determination of the level of mineral deficiency in the soil

Most of all, potassium is needed for plants growing in peatlands. Signs of a lack of this element are very noticeable in the summer:

• brown spots appear on the leaf blades;
• leaves change color, turn yellow or blue with a bronze tint;
• “edge burns” appear - the tips of the leaf and its edges begin to gradually die off;
• veins are deep in the leaf tissue;
• the stem is thinning;
• crops stop growing;
• wrinkles appear on the leaves, they begin to curl;
• the bud formation process is slowed down.

Types of some potash fertilizers

By chemical composition, the potassium group is divided into chloride and sulfate. And by production, they are often raw and strong. Each species has both pros and cons. And also features in use.

Potassium chloride

Potassium chloride is the most common choice, marked with pink crystals, excellent moisture absorption and can deteriorate due to improper storage, significantly impairing their ability to dissolve at the time of use.

Fertilizers contain approximately 40% chlorine. Therefore, this top dressing for chlorophobic plants is not used. It is best added in the fall so that chlorine evaporates from the soil much faster.

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

Based on the above, dressing must be added in advance and in moderation, the main thing is not to overdo it.

Potassium sulfate

Small grayish crystals dissolve very quickly in water. They do not absorb moisture and therefore do not deteriorate during storage. It contains magnesium and calcium, which enhance the beneficial properties for crops.

The presence of sulfur in the composition prevents the accumulation of nitrates, significantly prolongs the life of plants.It also makes it possible for vegetable crops to be fertilized with similar fertilizing.

There is no chlorine in fertilizers, and therefore it can be used on almost any type of soil. Soils with high acidity are an exception.

Types of potash fertilizers: wood ash

A comprehensive and readily available product suitable for most plants and virtually all soil formulations. Top dressing also does not contain chlorine, and therefore can be used at any time. Ash is added dry, it can also be diluted with water.

It is undesirable to add it together with manure and poultry droppings, do not mix with nitrogen compounds and superphosphates.

Potassium salt

It is a mixture of potassium chloride and crushed sylvinite. Reaches up to 40%, which makes fertilizers unsuitable for sensitive crops to potassium chloride. In connection with this fact, the mixture is added to the soil during the autumn digging of the beds. In spring, salt can be used if there is excess moisture in the soil. In the summer, nothing is added from this composition.

Compared to potassium chloride, salts can be added 1.5 times more.

Types of potash fertilizers: potassium magnesium sulfate

Chlorine free. Best suited for feeding potatoes, tomatoes and other plants. Due to the magnesium it contains, the product should be applied to sandy and sandy loam soils. The drug absorbs moisture well and dissipates well.

Potassium carbonate

The composition is characterized by increased absorbency. It deteriorates very quickly if excess moisture appears. Therefore, it loses its properties. In order to improve its characteristics, lime is occasionally added, but then there is a risk of an increase in the acidic environment in the soil.

Potassium nitrate

Contains nitrogen, which has the most positive effect on the growth and development of crops. The composition of the fertilizer is kept very well in a dry place. Because even with a small amount of moisture, it hardens. And then it's almost impossible to use it. It is brought in in the spring when sowing begins. You can also use saltpeter in the summer.

Role of cement dust

It contains many salts that are readily soluble, and this allows potassium to fill the cells of cultures. Used for plants that do not react well to chlorine. With the help of chlorine, the acidity of the soil is neutralized. And that is why the role of such fertilizers is important.

The value of potash fertilizers in the life of various plants

Oxidation in plant tissues occurs especially rapidly, and cell metabolism increases. Plants respond to a lack of moisture and photosynthesis can take place much faster. Plants begin to get used to low temperatures much faster. Their immunity to pathogenic phenomena is significantly increased.

Technology for use for many plants

There are three common ways of applying fertilizers: before sowing, during planting, and after planting.

Most often, potash fertilizers are used in the fall, since most of its types are chlorine-containing. The dose is determined taking into account the depletion of the soil.

It is more expedient to scatter fertilizers, in several stages, keeping a distance of about 15 cm from the roots. Liquid solutions are much more effective when prepared according to instructions.

Fertilizers are very popular. The main thing is not to forget about the dangers of excess potassium for crops and soils where they grow. You need to be especially careful when working with chlorine.