The use of potassium fertilizers for cucumbers: types, how to breed

The benefits of potassium fertilizers for cucumbers

Fertilizers containing potassium are needed by cucumber bushes at different stages of the growing season. The highest need for this element occurs when plants begin to produce green leaves. Potassium improves the taste of cucumbers and prevents bitterness. The concentration of this element in the soil affects the number of ovaries and the volume of the harvest.

Potassium is present in organic matter and some types of mineral fertilizers. For better effect, they are alternated when applied to the soil. Sometimes home remedies are also used to enhance the effect.

Important!

Fertilizers are applied according to schedule. Excessive saturation of the soil with potassium compounds negatively affects the condition of plants. Their immunity deteriorates and their susceptibility to pathogens increases.

The benefits of using potassium supplements are as follows:

• improving plant immunity, reducing susceptibility to infectious agents;
• normalization of metabolic reactions, increasing resistance to adverse weather;
• active flowering;
• correct formation of fruits;
• increasing the shelf life of the crop.

How to properly use potassium nitrate (potassium nitrate) in the garden

Potassium nitrate is one of the fertilizers that is popular for its qualities and capabilities.
Old-timers claim that in addition to its effectiveness in achieving high yields, it becomes the main source of potassium for the soil. Suitable for all crops. Helps normalize plant growth. In addition to potassium, nitrogen is present, which makes it possible to use saltpeter as a fertilizer complex. It remains to study further the composition and instructions for preparing the liquid for feeding.

Signs of potassium deficiency in cucumbers

The lack of this element provokes a high accumulation of nitrogenous compounds in plant tissues. As a result, the above-ground part of the bush quickly loses moisture under the influence of toxic substances. An increased content of ammonia nitrogen causes gradual tissue death. In the photo, the plant shows signs of potassium deficiency.

A deficiency of this element in plants can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• yellowing and drying of edges on leaf plates;
• a large number of male flowers;
• increased elongation of cucumber shoots;
• the appearance of a bluish tint to the leaves;
• lightening cucumber tops;
• deformation and small size of young leaves;
• deformation, pear-shaped fruit;
• accumulation of bitterness in the pulp;
• loss of ovaries and leaves due to severe potassium deficiency.

Properties of potassium nitrate and features of its use

Every farmer knows that to successfully grow a vegetable, fruit, berry or flower crop, good fertilizer is required. This is especially true for those plants that grow on poor soils. And now, a universal fertilizer called “potassium nitrate” acts as a garden assistant, promoting the successful development of most crops.

As you know, potassium nitrate has several names: potassium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium nitrate or Indian nitrate.

Types of fertilizers

To feed cucumbers in a greenhouse, greenhouse or open beds, various preparations containing potassium are used. All used means fall into two large groups. One includes substances containing chlorine. The other is formed by sulfuric acid compounds in the form of small granules. Preparations are also found in the form of raw salts or concentrates. Vegetable growers independently choose preparations for enrichment with useful substances that are most convenient and effective to use.

Potassium humate

To feed cucumbers, this fertilizer contains a large amount of humic acids and other valuable substances. The drug is commercially available in the form of a liquid solution or a dry mixture. Fertilizing with potassium humate brings the following benefits:

• normalizes the composition of the soil;
• activates the formation of cucumbers;
• reduces the amount of nitrates in plant tissues;
• increases productivity;
• strengthens the immune defense of plants;
• prolongs the shelf life of picked greens.

Treatment of plants with potassium humate during the growing season is carried out three times. To obtain the working fluid, mix 120 ml of the drug in 10 liters of water. Potassium humate should not be fed to bushes mixed with potassium nitrate and phosphorus-containing compounds. As a result of mixing, a chemical reaction begins with the formation of insoluble components.

Potassium sulfate

For feeding cucumbers, the components of the fertilizer include important substances that activate the growth of bushes and stimulate the formation of cucumber fruits: potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium. The drug is produced in the form of a white powder, quickly soluble in liquids. The “Potassium Sulfate” fertilizer improves the vitamin composition of greens, develops immunity, and facilitates the absorption of other useful elements dissolved in the soil.

Potassium sulfate is added in the form of a liquid solution or dry granules:

• during the period of autumn or spring preparation of the site, the powder is evenly distributed in the soil, using 20 g of product for each 1 m² of area;
• during active growth, water the bushes with a solution prepared from 10 liters of liquid and 35 g of substance;
• at the flowering stage, the same solution is used to spray the bushes.

Potassium monophosphate

Monopotassium phosphate is marketed in the form of a white crystalline powder. The fertilizer consists of 60% phosphorus and 40% potassium, and quickly disperses in a liquid medium. As a replenishing agent, the drug has the following advantages:

• improves the quality of cucumber fruits and increases their shelf life;
• well absorbed by the roots of the bushes;
• does not pollute the soil;
• prevents the development of fungal infections on plants.

At the stage of autumn preparation of the site, the product in dry form is applied to the soil for digging. For best effect, the drug in diluted form is used immediately after preparing the working fluid, since the product quickly decomposes. The drug activates the growth of all plants, including weeds. Therefore, after fertilizing, the beds are weeded more often.

Important!

Throughout the season, it is allowed to feed cucumbers with potassium monophosphate three times. It is more convenient to apply fertilizer using the foliar method, spraying the bushes with a working solution. It is prepared by mixing 10 liters of water and 10 g of powder. The use of monopotassium phosphate is especially useful for feeding cucumbers growing in a greenhouse.

Potassium salt

The composition of the drug includes potassium chloride, sylvinite, kainite. The ingredients enrich the soil with useful elements if the cucumbers lack potassium. Potassium salt is not used during the growing season of cucumbers. The drug is applied to the soil in the spring, before planting, or in the fall, when the crop has already been harvested and it is time to prepare the site. The substance is scattered over the surface of the earth and the bed is dug up. 35 g of powder is needed per 1 m² of soil.

Nitrophoska

Nitrogen-phosphorus mineral fertilizer also contains potassium. The concentration of components varies, which affects the shade of the granules. They are bluish or white. The type of “Nitrophoska” is chosen based on the composition of the soil and the condition of the plants. When growing cucumbers, a sulfuric acid preparation is often used.

To prepare the site in the spring before planting, the powder is used in dry form. When digging, add 30 g of the drug per 1 m² of soil. When growing seedlings, it is possible to use a weak solution of “Nitrophoska” if the seedlings grow poorly, look sick or weak. For adult cucumber bushes, the product is used by watering at the root or spraying on the foliage.

Description and chemical composition

Potassium nitrate or potassium nitrate has the formula KNO3. The chemical formula shows the presence of two main components: potassium and nitrogen. When the ingredients are combined according to the calculated formula, a fertilizer is obtained that gives:

• accelerated development of cultures;
• increasing root strength;
• strengthening the root part;
• increasing plant immunity;
• adding nutrients to the soil.

The use of potassium-nitrogen composition is allowed as a top dressing due to the availability of nutrients. And also as an independent fertilizer to increase the protective functions of the plant.

Thanks to good immunity, the plant not only grows quickly, but also resists garden diseases and strengthens its resistance to parasitic insects. As a result of the effect of nitrate solution, we get: high yield.

Making your own formula is not recommended to avoid an overdose of ingredients. Suitable as fertilizer for:

• tobacco and beets;
• carrots and grapes;
• raspberries and strawberries.

To summarize, it is ideal for plants that cannot tolerate chlorine and its effects have an extremely negative effect on their development. Appearance: powdery or in the form of crystals. White color. There is no smell. Other names:

• potassium nitrate;
• potassium nitrate;
• Indian saltpeter.

Fertilizing technology

If cucumber bushes are placed in unprotected beds, any fertilizer will be suitable to replenish the lack of potassium. When growing plants indoors, preference is given to potassium sulfate or potassium chloride, potassium salt.

The first feeding is carried out before the flowers bloom with an organo-mineral composition. To prepare a nutrient solution, mix 1 kg of mullein and 10 liters of water. Then 5 g of superphosphate and the same amount of potassium sulfate are introduced.

Repeated application is carried out during the period when green plants begin to form. The working solution is prepared from 10 liters of water, 150 g of mullein and 35 g of nitrophoska.

Timing for applying potash fertilizers

Enrichment of the soil with potassium is usually carried out in the fall while digging the site. Less commonly, the procedure is performed in early spring. During the flowering period of cucumber bushes, if necessary, foliar treatment of plants is carried out. It is more effective because beneficial substances immediately penetrate into plant tissue.

Recommended fertilizer application schedule:

• on heavy, loamy soils, fertilizers are applied in the fall;
• on light soil, replenishment of potassium deficiency is carried out in the spring;
• if the soil is peaty, enrichment with potassium fertilizers is carried out in autumn, spring and mid-summer.

Advice!

When applied in the fall, the dry powder is evenly distributed over the bed and the soil is dug up. In spring, a small amount of fertilizer is added to the hole before planting the seedlings.

Feeding plants at the root

The solution is prepared by mixing 10 liters of water and 90 g of potash fertilizers. Water the plants with liquid, 500 ml per root. For root application it is not necessary to dissolve the drug in water. Sometimes the granules are scattered around the bush and watered with water. Feeding is carried out according to the following scheme:

• after transplanting the seedlings to a permanent place;
• during flower blooming;
• at the initial stage of fruit formation;
• 15 days after collecting the first greens.

Foliar treatment

Spraying bushes with potassium solutions is usually carried out when cultivating cucumbers in areas with heavy soil. The treatment is carried out with a solution with a low concentration of the beneficial substance. Take 60 g of potassium fertilizer per large bucket of water. The bushes are sprayed in the morning or evening in dry, calm weather.

Safety precautions

Preparations containing chemical components are stored only in closed containers. They are left in the utility room, inaccessible to children and pets. The room for storing hazardous substances is regularly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of harmful fumes.

Working solutions are prepared by first wearing rubber gloves for protection. The respiratory organs and face are protected with a mask or respirator and plastic goggles. Plant treatment is also carried out while wearing a protective suit. While working with solutions and dry fertilizers, it is not prohibited to touch your face, rub your eyes, eat or drink, or smoke.

Upon completion of work, clothes are washed and showered. The remaining working fluid is poured outside the site into a hole and covered with earth. Containers must be washed.

Reviews

Maria, Nizhny Novgorod:

When growing cucumbers, I always feed the plants with a solution of potassium sulfate. After this fertilizer, cucumbers grow strong, crispy, and there is no bitterness in the taste.

Nikolay, Samara:

Fertilizing with potassium humate is very useful. The product improves the soil composition and increases the number of fruits. After treatment, I didn’t notice that the bushes were hurting. And the taste of cucumbers is much better. They grow quickly and mature together.

Potassium fertilizers are important for feeding cucumber bushes. They must be added for proper development and active growth. Potassium mixtures are applied by root and foliar methods at different periods of the growing season, and they are also used to prepare the soil for sowing.

Potassium nitrate - use in the garden and in the garden, composition, formula, properties and reviews

Potassium nitrate (or potassium nitrate) is one of the most popular fertilizers used in the garden.

Flower growers also use it when feeding flowering plants in flower beds or indoor plants. This fertilizer contains potassium and nitrogen, which plants need for growth and flowering.

How, when and for which cultivated plants potassium nitrate should be used, how to dilute it correctly, its basic properties and much more will be discussed below.