Potassium phosphorus: what fertilizers contain them, names and instructions for use
Gardeners use many types and forms of fertilizers in their practice. At the initial stage of crop development, nitrogen agents are usually used. However, subsequently it is required to use preparations based on potassium and phosphorus. They contribute to the proper development of cultivated plants and help increase yields. Today, many effective types of potassium-phosphorus preparations are on sale.
Which fertilizers are considered phosphorus-potassium?
These fertilizers contain phosphorus and potassium. These substances are very important for the full development of crops.In this case, at the initial stage of growth, nitrogen is usually required. Fertilizer, which belongs to phosphorus-potassium, should be applied later. Such compounds contribute to the formation of fruits and increase yield parameters.
Multiple studies support the use of phosphorus and potassium based products. The deficiency of these components is clearly noticeable when growing crops in a greenhouse. In this case, the soil is in constant tension and practically does not rest. Therefore, the soil must be enriched.
Such top dressing is required for fruit trees and berry bushes. Evergreens also need these elements, as they improve their appearance and have strengthening properties.
Varieties
There are several groups of dressings with the following names:
- liquid or soluble in water;
- hardly soluble;
- lemon or citrate soluble.
The first category includes universal substances. They can be used for different types of soil and plants. Such funds are allowed to be applied in a foliar way. They are also used to feed the root system.
The second category is considered long-term. You need to make the compositions to an impressive depth. They are used to feed perennial plants and grow winter wheat.
The last category of dressings is versatile. With their help, it is possible to restore the structure of all types of soil. It is required to introduce such substances only to a great depth. The most pronounced effect is observed when used on acidic soil.
What plants are used for
Preparations containing phosphorus help strengthen plants, make them more resistant to frost, disease, and mechanical stress. Potassium is essential for full flowering and fruit formation.
Most often such products are used to feed the following crops:
- Garlic - needs a constant supply of potassium and phosphorus. With their help, the presentation of fruits improves and yields increase.
- Cucumbers - potassium and phosphorus are used up to 4 times during the season. In this case, it is permissible to use monopreparations or combined substances.
- Tomatoes - they are in need of such funds. With their shortage, the fruits are deformed and stained. In addition, bushes stop growing.
- Grapes - bushes need to be fed in several stages. This is done after waking up in early spring, after the leaves appear, before flowering, at the stage of fruit ripening.
- Strawberry - for this crop it is important to choose the right preparation. It should include equal amounts of potassium and nitrogen, and slightly less phosphorus.During the growing season, such fertilizers are used twice. The first time this is done before planting, and the second - after receiving the first fruits.
- Apple trees - consume more nutrients than vegetable crops. Therefore, it is necessary to make potassium-phosphorus top dressing even at the planting stage. During the growing season, the composition is used foliarly.
Characteristics and instructions for use
Today, there are many preparations based on potassium and phosphorus on the market. This helps you choose the most suitable option.
Superphos
This fertilizer contains no chlorine. It is sold in the form of granules and includes precipitate, ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. Fertilizer is versatile. It is allowed to be used at all stages of cultural development.
Superphosphate simple
The preparation contains 26% phosphorus. In addition, it includes 17% calcium, 6% nitrogen, 10% sulfur, 0.5% magnesium. The tool is usually used in the fall when digging the soil. It is forbidden to combine it with lime, various types of s altpeter, urea.
Double superphosphate
This preparation includes 40-50% phosphorus. It is required to introduce the substance in the fall when digging the soil. It is also allowed to apply before flowering. It is important to bear in mind that double superphosphate can only be dissolved by 40%. Therefore, 1 top dressing in the summer will not give tangible results. Moreover, cultures gradually absorb the active substance.
It makes no sense to feed annual plants with such a composition, since it does not affect the yield parameters. In this case, the substance is perfect for perennials. It helps to increase their resistance to frost.To increase the effectiveness of the drug, it must be combined with organic products.
Bone Meal
This composition refers to organic fertilizers. To obtain the substance, the bones of animals are ground. Since the preparation is completely natural, gardeners and gardeners often use bone meal during the growing season. The substance is rapidly absorbed by plants.
Thermophosphate
This drug is 14-30% phosphorus. The specific amount depends on the type of thermophosphate. So, tomasslag includes at least 14% of this component. Fertilizer is obtained as a result of ore processing. The composition belongs to the category of alkaline agents, therefore it is used in acidic soil.
Fluorine-free phosphate
This tool is an analogue of superphosphate. It is 28-30% phosphorus. The drug can be used for fertilizing chernozem. It dissolves easily. Manufacture of fertilizer is carried out by sintering components - sand and apatite concentrate.
Marten slag (phosphate slag)
This term is understood as a highly alkaline agent, which includes up to 15% phosphorus. The composition can be used for acidic soil types.
Precipitate
This product contains a lot of phosphorus - up to 25-30%. The drug is produced in the form of a white or gray powder. It can be used for all types of soil during the growing season, as well as applied before winter.
Phosphorite flour
This preparation contains 19-30% phosphorus. It is excellent for acidic soil types and is completely environmentally friendly. At the same time, phosphorus in such a preparation is in a hard-to-reach form. It takes several months to release it.
Vivianite
This product contains 25-28% phosphoric acid. It is sold as a blue or gray-blue powder. Sometimes it contains peat impurities. In this case, the amount of phosphorus is reduced to 12-20%.
Ammophos
The drug belongs to the category of sparingly soluble formulations. It contains up to 12% nitrogen. This component is found in the fertilizer in the form of ammonia. The composition is recommended to be applied before winter. It can also be used to root a culture.
Diammophos or ammonium hydrogen phosphate
This unique fertilizer helps improve plant development and reduce soil acidity. The composition is characterized by a high content of phosphorus. This helps to reduce the amount of applied substance to obtain the desired effect. The composition can be combined with organic products.
Potassium chloride
This substance contains 50-60% potassium. It is most often used in the fall when digging the soil. At the same time, chlorine is present in the composition, which can be dangerous for some plants.
Potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate)
This formulation contains 45-53% potassium. It also contains 18% sulfur. The substance mixes well with water and is easily absorbed by plants. The drug is recommended to be applied in the fall when digging up the soil.
Potassium s alt
This is a simple and strong composition. It contains sylvinite in combination with potassium chloride. The composition should be applied in the fall after harvest.
Signs of lack of nutrition
Signs of malnutrition are:
- changing the shape and color of leaves;
- appearance of spots on the plant;
- falling leaves;
- deceleration of growth processes;
- violation of root development;
- reducing yields.
Potassium and phosphorus are considered essential elements that every plant needs. To make up for the lack of these substances, you need to choose the right preparations with their content and make them in strict accordance with the instructions.
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