Potassium nitrate: formula and decomposition, rules for applying fertilizer

S altpeter, which is used as a fertilizer, is not only ammonia. Consider the composition, description and action of potassium nitrate, its properties, when it is used for garden and garden plants. What precautions should be taken, the advantages and disadvantages of s altpeter, its compatibility with other drugs and fertilizers, what can replace it.

What is it, composition and principle of action

Potassium nitrate has other names, for example, it is known as potassium nitrate, potassium nitrate. Previously, the mineral was mined in India, where there were its deposits, so it is also called Indian s altpeter.The chemical formula of the substance is KNO3, the molar mass is 101.1 g / mol. Nitrogen in it is 13-13.5%, potassium - 36-38.2%, phosphorus - 0.9-1.3%.

S altpeter is a white crystalline substance, colorless, odorless. Crystals dissolve well in water, especially in warm water. At a temperature of 20 ° C, 31.5 g of s altpeter dissolves in 100 g of water, at 40 ° C - 63.9 g, at 60 ° C - 109.9 g.

In the soil, s altpeter interacts with the soil solution and the absorbing complex. Potassium cations and nitric acid anions interact with it, their action is the same as that of simple 1-component fertilizers.

It nourishes plants, stimulating the growth of roots and aerial parts, improves photosynthesis. Plants become more resistant to negative factors such as temperature changes and drought. He althy plants produce firm fruits that store better. This is especially true for winter varieties, the fruits of which need to be stored for a long time.Berries and fruits are made sweet, fragrant.

Potassium nitrate is a well-known fertilizer that has been actively used by gardeners and gardeners for decades. It is estimated that after its application at the end of the season, it is possible to increase the yield by a quarter compared to when the plants were grown without top dressing. This fertilizer is excellent for feeding fruit and vegetable crops that many gardeners grow on their plots - cucumbers, beets, carrots, tomatoes.

Potassium nitrate is recommended to be chosen as a top dressing for ornamental plants and flowers grown on window sills or in outdoor flower beds. Potassium enhances flowering, makes plants lush, nitrogen - promotes the growth of green mass.

In what cases is shown

The main application of s altpeter is done in April, sowing - in May, top dressing - in June-August. Fertilizer can be applied to all types of soil, but in an amount that depends on the initial content of nitrogen and potassium, as well as the climate and soil conditions of the area.

In horticulture and vegetable growing, potassium nitrate is used for root and leaf fertilization of all crops, throughout the full growing season.

Crops have different potassium requirements. Forage crops, beets and potatoes are especially in need of it. But many plants require more potassium than is found in the soil. From mineral fertilizers, including potassium nitrate, it is absorbed by about 80%. The level of need also depends on factors that affect plants while they are developing - on lighting, temperature, humidity, lightness and friability of the soil, its saturation with other elements.

When and how to use potassium nitrate for gardening

Fertilizer can be applied as a powder, but since the substance dissolves well, s altpeter is used as a solution for watering plants. Its application is simple: dilute 20 g in 10 liters of water and water the beds 1-2 times a month.For flowers and foliar feeding, prepare a solution of 10 g per 10 liters. Irrigate plants with a conventional sprayer.

Potassium nitrate should not be used together with organic fertilizers, ash, sawdust, peat. Organics will generate heat, when heated, the likelihood of the mixture igniting increases. Therefore, organics and s altpeter are used separately.

Safety precautions

Potassium nitrate is non-toxic if used in the correct dosage. In case of an overdose, the content of nitrates in fruits increases, so that this does not happen, garden plants should be fed no more than 3-4 times per season.

To work with s altpeter you need to wear tight clothes so that it covers all parts of the body. Gloves, goggles and a respirator should be worn so that the powder does not get on the skin and nose. Do not use metal buckets or other containers to dilute the solution. If possible, do not work in the heat, so that the s altpeter does not heat up.

Storage conditions and expiration date

Keep potassium nitrate in a sealed package, do not put it next to household appliances, heat sources, fertilizers. Potassium nitrate packages should not be exposed to sunlight. The warehouse must be dry and ventilated.

It is impossible to store fertilizer at temperatures above 30 ° C, under such conditions decomposition occurs, powder crystals cake into a continuous mass. Caking is also noted if the powder is stored in a damp room and absorbs moisture. With a large number of packages, they can be stacked in a layer no higher than 2 m.

The minimum shelf life of potassium nitrate is 5 years, but if the storage conditions are met, then the period is practically unlimited.

Pros and cons

Benefits of using potassium nitrate in the garden and in the garden:

brings nitrogen and potassium to the soil;
stimulates the growth of roots and stems;
improves plant resistance to temperature extremes, drought;
stimulates photosynthesis;
improves the appearance and quality of fruits;
increases the volume of the harvest, prolongs the shelf life of vegetables and fruits, herbs and berries.

Cons: acidifies the soil, so it is not applied to acidic soils. It does not contain trace elements and is quickly washed out into the lower layers of the soil.

Compatibility

Potassium nitrate can be combined with other chemical and lime fertilizers, but not with organic ones. Organics, manure, straw, peat and ash should be applied separately, after a while.

When using potassium nitrate and other fertilizer together, you need to monitor how much of which element will be added to the soil so that there is no overdose and the plants are not overfed.

Means analogues

Replace potassium nitrate can be any potash fertilizer, such as potassium sulfate. Nitrogen and potassium are in nitroammofosk. The agricultural industry produces complex fertilizers with these elements, as well as with microelements: "NPK Standard", potassium nitrate of the "Multi" brand with microelements.

Potassium nitrate is used for fertilizing garden and garden plants with potassium and nitrogen. This is a simple 2-component fertilizer that can be applied to the soil in autumn, spring, throughout the growing season. It can be used both in greenhouses and in garden beds. The fertilizer combines 2 elements - potassium has a positive effect on flowering and fruit formation, nitrogen - on the above-ground mass, making it lush and he althy. Therefore, s altpeter can be considered an ideal tool if it is necessary to stimulate the growth of plants in the garden, their flowering and fruiting.