Potassium monophosphate: application for foliar feeding of potatoes

Gardeners dream of getting a decent harvest in limited areas, for potatoes it is required to allocate ridges with fertile, moisture-permeable soil. Culture quickly depletes the soil. The result - the bushes give out 5-6 tubers weighing up to 100 g.

Power wasted. For planting plants next year, the land requires structuring. Mineral complexes should be applied.

Monopotassium phosphate will help solve the problem of growing potatoes in small summer cottages. This drug actively increases the resistance of potatoes to diseases, strengthens the bushes.

What is this

Potatoes are responsive to various mineral fertilizers. The choice of gardeners is determined by ease of use and price.

Description of potassium monophosphate:

substance has the formula КН₂RO₄;
purified compound crystalline, colorless;
industry produces light brown or beige powder or granules;
dissolves in soft water (22.6% by weight at T=20⁰C, 83.5% at T=90⁰C);
active ions: P⁺ (23%), K⁻ (28%);
behind potassium preparations (sulfuric acid, chloride) and phosphorus (superphosphates) in concentration.

Additional names: monopotassium s alt of orthophosphoric acid (dihydroorthophosphate). The solubility of a powdered substance depends on the softness of the liquid. It is not recommended to dilute with artesian or tap water (caking occurs).Gardeners should take into account: the granules diverge in water of any hardness

Inclusions of sulfur or iron change the color of the s alt to yellowish. This speaks of a manufacturing defect. You should not buy the drug.

The value of potassium monophosphate is fast solubility and quick assimilation of useful elements. These properties determine the application rules for growing potatoes.

The benefits of potassium s alt

The use of potassium monophosphate in country gardens is determined by positive aspects:

The amount of active ions P⁺, K⁻ is optimal for growing green mass by potatoes. He althy, strong tops enable the plant to form large tubers.
Shrubs respond to fertilization by growing side shoots. The stems thicken, the plants do not lie down on the ridges.
Active ingredients are easily absorbed by all parts of the potato (shoots, tubers).
Does not accumulate in soil, plants. Proper processing of plantings allows you to get dense, tasty tubers. Their keeping quality will increase.
The complex is compatible with all known pesticides. It is allowed to prepare a single solution for haulm treatment.
Nitrogen enhances the action of potassium monophosphate. But it is required to maintain the interval: first, apply N, and after 2-5 days, treat with fertilizer.
KH₂PO₄ does not change the acidity of the soil. Wise application will get rid of negative moments.
Additional bonus: prevention of powdery mildew and fungal diseases of potatoes.
The leaves do not accumulate sugar. The skin thickens. The result - the plant becomes useless for aphids.
Soil microflora does not suffer from the use of potassium monophosphate. Bacteria and microorganisms continue to work actively.

Monopotassium s alt introduced into the soil retains moisture. This must be taken into account when planning planting irrigation.

What should the gardener prepare for?

Double foliar feeding of potatoes allows you to get a good harvest in a small area. But the gardener must also evaluate the disadvantages of the drug:

Maximum effect is achieved when the complex is added in dissolved form. Summer residents are accustomed to incorporating dry matter into the soil.
In the autumn preparation of ridges for potatoes, potassium monophosphate is applied only when planting green manure.
The dry matter embedded in the soil has a fruitful effect on potatoes in a moderately warm and humid summer.
Weeds appreciated the complex. Ridges need to be constantly weeded. For working summer residents, this is an undesirable burden.
Complex easily absorbs moisture. The beneficial properties of a wet drug disappear.
Spray solution loses its potency when exposed to light. The finished product must be applied within 2-3 hours.
Potassium monophosphate does not combine with calcium and magnesium. Potatoes cease to assimilate these elements. This feature should be taken into account when growing potatoes on soils with a low content of Ca and Mg.

Potassium monophosphate is effective at the first signs of K deficiency (brown, shriveled, bent down potato leaves). This is ensured by the instant absorption of the K⁻ ion.

How to apply correctly?

Gardeners prepare planting areas for potatoes in advance. In the autumn, they dig up, make mineral and organic substances. It is pointless to scatter monopotassium s alt embedded in the soil: weeds will absorb the ions. The potatoes will get nothing.

The use of fertilizer in the fall is justified when planting green manure in the future field. The ridges need to be dug up, scattered KH₂RO₄, repaired with a rake. Small seeds are scattered without embedding in the ground. In this case, the landing must be covered with light lutrasil, pressed along the perimeter (protected from birds). Large - scatter simultaneously with fertilizer.

Good results are obtained by the introduction of potassium monophosphate during the spring planting of potatoes. The tubers should be laid out according to the scheme in the grooves, sprinkled with soil with fertilizer on top. Then water generously. This will provide a chelated (easily digestible) form of the complex.

Gardeners are trying to feed potatoes at the same time as hilling. The ridges must first be cleared of weeds. Monophosphate is distributed along the plantings of bushes. Then the soil is poured. Disadvantage of the method: the complex must be dissolved in water.When watering, the liquid flows from the ridges of the earth. Assimilation of active ions is incomplete.

Effective way to feed potatoes with potassium s alt - spraying tops The granular preparation needs to be dissolved in water (8-15 g per 10 l). Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator. Spray in the morning before 9 a.m. or in the evening after 4 p.m.

Potassium monophosphate has more advantages than disadvantages. This ensures its use for obtaining a good potato harvest in summer cottages.