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.
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.
Precautionary measures
Potassium nitrate can be dangerous to humans if precautions are not taken.
When working with fertilizer, especially when spraying, use a respirator and rubber gloves. Protective plastic goggles are recommended to prevent the substance from being carried into the eyes and mucous membranes through the hands. Fertilizer in high concentrations causes a chemical burn (burning, itching, redness, swelling), as well as an allergic reaction.
If the substance accidentally gets on the skin, wash it with clean water. If trouble occurs with the eyes, they are also washed with water without closing the eyelids for 15-30 minutes. Then you need to visit an ophthalmologist to rule out a corneal burn.
Useful properties of the substance
Technical potassium nitrate is used from the moment the plant is planted in the soil. Suitable for literally any type of soil. Belongs to the class of universal fertilizers. It is a toxic substance, non-volatile, highly soluble.
It differs from most proposed fertilizer complexes, since it contains more potassium than nitrogen. The last ingredient is only in the amount necessary for minimal feeding. Allowed for use at a convenient time:
- during the growing season;
- during the formation of ovaries;
- after harvest.
Incredibly useful for crops that are planted in the garden or garden. Helps accelerate growth and enhance plant respiration. If saltpeter is used for winter plantings (garlic, strawberries, etc.), it enhances the frost resistance of the crop.
What plants can potassium nitrate be applied to?
An additional advantage of using potassium nitrate is that this substance is completely free of chlorine, which many plants are afraid of. As a result, potassium nitrate can be used for the following garden crops:
- potatoes;
- carrot;
- beet;
- raspberries;
- blackberry;
- most types of ornamental plants;
- some varieties of fruit trees.
It has been noted that potassium nitrate is a substance that is especially useful for crops such as cucumbers. It is especially useful to apply this fertilizer during the fruiting period of this vegetable crop. There is an increased yield of vegetables, but at the same time the active growth of greens decreases. This is the main advantage, since the rapid growth of greenery only takes away all the necessary nutrients from the plant.
It is advisable to use potassium nitrate for tomatoes . Here are the best properties of the fertilizer:
- photosynthesis accelerates;
- the root system is significantly strengthened;
- productivity increases.
The main feature of using potassium fertilizing is the possibility of its use throughout the season.
As recent indicators show, the use of potassium nitrate does not in any way affect the development of some garden crops. For example, this fertilizer will be ineffective for potatoes, radishes, cabbage and greens.
Pros and cons of fertilizer
The properties of potassium nitrate can affect plants and soil both positively and negatively. If diluted correctly, in accordance with the instructions for use, then there will be no problems.
It is worth considering that not all plants tolerate such feeding well. In such cases, you will have to replace the simple mineral fertilizer with a different type of fertilizer.
Positive aspects of use include:
- convenient to use;
- contains organic matter (potassium, nitrogen);
- provides the soil and plant with necessary substances.
Among the negative properties, a possible effect on soil properties (acidity, salinity) is noted. It is recommended to conduct compatibility tests before starting to use. Another disadvantage is the lack of microelements. There is also the effect of rapid leaching from the soil.
The hazard class is high, since due to toxicity it can burn mucous membranes and skin. It is additionally noted that saltpeter is explosive. Therefore, when diluting, spraying or other types of application, you should be extremely careful.
Making your own fertilizer mixtures with potassium
To feed tomatoes, you can independently prepare various mixtures of several components, taking into account the needs of the plants.
For a solution per 10 liters of water:
- Potassium sulfate - 15 g, superphosphate - 20 g, ammonium nitrate - 15 g.
- Nitroammophoska - 10 g, potassium magnesium - 10 g, superphosphate - 20 g, ash - 150 g.
- Mullein infusion - 1 l, wood ash - 1 glass, double superphosphate - 20 g.
The solution is used for watering and consumed from 0.5 to 1.5 liters per bush. Optimal use of mineral fertilizers when growing tomatoes will allow you to grow a rich harvest with good marketability and taste. This production cannot be done without potassium; no other element can replace it.
Instructions for use
Potassium nitrate is a substance that is suitable for the maximum number of plants and soil types. At the same time, any irrigation or application is prohibited for cabbage, zucchini, greens or radishes.
They are not used for potatoes for other reasons: low efficiency and effectiveness.
Helps enhance the taste of fruits. Increases the sugar content of the pulp of berries and fruits. There is an increase:
- sizes;
- shelf life;
- keeping quality.
For drip irrigation, you can always purchase a small amount of saltpeter, since there are packages on sale from 1 kg and above. There is no standard packaging. For large processing areas, the filling bag can be up to 50 kg.
Dilution for spraying is carried out exclusively in water. Mixing saltpeter with organic matter (manure, compost, peat) is not allowed. Even with sawdust or straw.
The maximum allowed amount for application is 2 times per gardening period. If you increase the amount of application, the gardener risks contributing to the accumulation of nitrates.
Deadlines for depositing
Nitrate is applied not only during the period of planting seedlings in the ground. During fruiting, it will not hurt to carry out a set of procedures, as during flowering.
Reader Questions
Why is potassium nitrate needed?
Potassium nitrate as a fertilizer is necessary for almost all cultivated plants, especially during the period of flowering and ovary formation, since it contains a large amount of potassium. This element promotes better bud formation, active fruit set, increased yield, and improved taste of fruits and berries. The relatively low nitrogen content makes it possible to increase plant immunity without activating excessive formation of green mass to the detriment of flowering.
How does potassium nitrate differ from ammonium nitrate?
Potassium nitrate (as the name suggests) contains potassium necessary for plants, while its nitrogen content is minimal. Therefore, this drug can be applied to plants in spring and summer.
Ammonium nitrate contains only nitrogen, but in fairly large quantities. This element is found in this substance in an easily digestible form, so it is recommended to apply this fertilizer to seedlings, shrubs and fruit trees in the spring (before flowering) in order to activate the growth of the root system and vegetative mass. After the first buds appear on the plants, the application of ammonium nitrate is not advisable.
What is the difference between potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate?
Potassium nitrate contains potassium and nitrogen, so it can be applied to various crops almost throughout the entire season. And the formula of calcium nitrate is Ca(NO3), so this drug contains a large amount of nitrogen and calcium. This type of nitrate is usually applied to plants in the spring, and this fertilizer enriches the soil with nitrogen and calcium in quantities sufficient for plants.
How to properly dilute potassium nitrate for tomatoes?
If there is a lack of potassium and nitrogen in the soil, the drug is diluted in the following concentration: approximately 1.5 tbsp should be diluted per bucket of water. l. potassium nitrate.
The standard dosage of the drug for applying fertilizer to tomatoes at all stages of development is 15-20 mg of the drug per bucket of water.
Can potassium nitrate cause harm?
The potassium nitrate preparation is not toxic, therefore, if the dosage is observed when diluting an aqueous solution, there will be no harm from applying such fertilizing. It is impossible to exceed the amount of the drug in an aqueous solution, since an excessive amount of fertilizer is just as harmful to plants as its lack.
But it should be remembered that nitrogen has the ability to accumulate in fruits, so you should not get carried away with applying potassium nitrate to vegetable or berry crops - the maximum number of fertilizing with this drug per season is from two to four.
What is the price of potassium nitrate?
On average in Russia, the price per kilogram of this drug can range from 70 to 80 rubles.
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What is the formula of potassium nitrate?
The chemical formula of this potassium nitrate fertilizer is KNO3.
Where to buy potassium nitrate?
Potassium nitrate can be bought in specialized stores or ordered online.
Cooking method
Mineral fertilizer can be diluted for irrigation in water strictly according to the indicated dosages. Then water carefully, avoiding the green part of the plantings. How many times to apply depends solely on the type and condition of the soil.
When applying dry application, which is also possible, it is advisable to make a furrow for root crops. Pour the required amount of saltpeter into it. Calculation: 1 sq. m. = 5-7 g. Furrow depth is at least 3-5 cm.
Interesting fact! In summer, it is allowed to water the plants with a liquid based on nitrate. But this rule does not apply to lawns. When watering, there is a risk of significantly damaging the ornamental planting - burning it.
Feeding tomatoes and cucumbers
For tomatoes, saltpeter is an important complex for photosynthesis and strengthening the root part. The substance helps plants increase their yield by 2-3 times. Cucumbers and tomatoes are fed with liquid saltpeter.
The calculation is applied not for 10 liters, but for 15. Add 20-25 g of crystals. The indicated dosage is suitable for one-time watering or foliar feeding of tomatoes and cucumbers.
There is a way to use potassium nitrate for seedlings: 5-7 days before planting sprouts or after the appearance of several leaves. Also diluted at the rate of 15 liters.
Potassium nitrate is no less useful for peppers than for tomatoes. Shows excellent results: increased weight, juiciness. The pepper becomes more meaty. Use per period - no more than 2 times.
Potassium nitrate - how to dilute it correctly
This preparation can be applied to the soil either dry or diluted with water.
In the latter case, nutrients quickly reach the root system of cultivated plants and are absorbed faster, so summer residents more often use potassium nitrate in liquid form as fertilizer.
Attention!
Potassium nitrate should be diluted for subsequent application under plants only in water.
This drug is not mixed with organic matter - peat, rotted sawdust, compost, mullein, bird droppings or straw.
How to make potassium nitrate - video
Potassium nitrate should be diluted for application at the root in the following proportions
:
- for flowers and ornamental plants - dilute 15 g of the drug in a bucket of water;
- for berry bushes (currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries) – 10 g per bucket of water;
- for fruit trees - 25 g per bucket of water.
This dosage of the drug is suitable for applying the solution under plants, in the tree trunk or in planting holes. For foliar feeding, it is better to use a more concentrated fertilizer, since it will evaporate or be washed off from the foliage when watering.
In this case, you need to dilute 25 g of potassium nitrate in a bucket of water.
To spray ornamental crops, flowers and strawberries, use 700 ml per square area.
For berry bushes - up to 1 liter per square. When treating fruit trees, you need to calculate the amount of the drug depending on the volume of the crown - from 2 to 7 liters for each tree.
In total, no more than 4 plants are fertilized with potassium nitrate per season.
The last time it can be applied is approximately 25-27 days before harvesting the fruits.
Safety precautions and storage rules
Do-it-yourself potassium nitrate is simple to make, but it can be life-threatening if you do not follow safety rules. Therefore, a simple, safe option is to buy in a specialized store.
You can carry out manipulations in special clothing: raincoat fabric, respirator, gloves. Be sure to close your eyes and mucous membranes. Otherwise, a burn may occur.
Spray and apply in cloudy weather. Storing saltpeter is allowed in a closed bag (thick, polyethylene), away from flammable and oily substances. No aerosols are sprayed nearby. Smoking while preparing the mixture or adding it to the soil is prohibited.
Keep away from children and sunlight. The room temperature should not exceed 20 degrees.
Signs of potassium deficiency in tomatoes
The plant provides early warning of nutrient deficiencies, so gardeners can take action to correct deficiencies long before crop loss. The leaves react first:
- the leaves first darken;
- the edge of the sheet dries out, then the process spreads to the entire sheet plate;
- color changes from yellow to brown.
This is what a lack of potassium in tomatoes looks like.
If you ignore the change in the leaves, the deficiency can then be determined by the number of ovaries - there are few of them, the flowers are small, the existing fruits are dry in appearance. For a novice gardener, such mistakes are forgivable, since it is better to see once than to read a hundred times and not notice.
Due to metabolic disorders, the plant experiences dehydration of the fruit. When they begin to ripen, you can cut into a tomato and see the green, hard veins inside. This indicates a long-term potassium deficiency. Such a tomato will be tasteless, since the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars, which give sweetness to tomatoes, is impaired. With an excess of nitrogen, potassium inhibits the growth of the green parts of the plant, or rather, the bush will be large, but not stunted and sick.
At the final stage of ripening, the area around the stalk is yellow or green. This tomato will no longer ripen.
Mistakes when using potassium nitrate in the garden
When working with potassium nitrate, as with any other chemical, personal protective equipment is used: gloves, goggles, respirator.
- Excessive application of potassium fertilizers for beets and radishes leads to the discarding of flower stalks and a decrease in the yield of root crops. There is no point in regularly fertilizing green crops and cabbage with potassium nitrate, which need more nitrogen. Potassium nitrate will bring maximum benefit to potatoes in addition to phosphates, since this crop absorbs potassium only with a sufficient amount of phosphorus.
Agronomists recommend feeding cabbage with potassium once at the stage of heading formation, and potatoes - before closing the tops, during hilling, when the above-ground part of the plants is already sufficiently developed.
Tip No. 1 : For greater effect, when fertilizing an area for planting potatoes, saltpeter is added in combination with phosphorus, and for cabbage - with calcium.
- Potassium nitrate is extremely hygroscopic, therefore, when the package is opened, it actively absorbs moisture from the air, as a result of which it cakes and forms lumps. For many gardeners, this serves as a signal to reject the drug. However, the loss of friability does not in any way affect the beneficial properties of the fertilizer; it is simply no longer so convenient to dose and apply. To prevent the saltpeter from caking, the bag should be hermetically sealed after opening.
