The use of monopotassium phosphate when growing plants helps to increase their productivity and make the fruits of higher quality. The composition can be applied with water for irrigation and used as foliar feeding. With its help, vegetables and fruits accumulate sugar and vitamins well. In addition, fertilizer increases the shelf life of fruits. In order for the drug to give the desired effect, it is important to follow the instructions for its use.
What is it, properties and composition
Potassium monophosphate is a combined fertilizer containing potassium and phosphorus.It can be used for root or foliar feeding, as well as drip irrigation of various types of crops. The fertilizer mixes easily with water and does not contain hazardous components. Potassium monosulfate improves metabolic processes in the structure of plants.
The drug is produced in the form of a white powder of high concentration. It mixes easily with water and is easily absorbed by the soil. There is also a release form in the form of granules. They can also be mixed with water.
The substance contains 33% potassium and 50-55% phosphorus. The drug also includes 20% phosphoric acid. It belongs to the category of mineral supplements.
The combined composition significantly increases yield parameters and increases the amount of vitamins in fruits. The substance also extends the shelf life of crops and makes plants more resistant to diseases.
In what cases is it used?
Monopotassium is considered an effective fertilizer. The main advantages of the product include the following:
- absence of harmful components and heavy metals in the composition;
- improving the taste of fruits;
- protection of plants from fungal microorganisms and powdery mildew;
- protection of seedlings from temperature fluctuations;
- maintaining optimal humidity parameters in the greenhouse;
- increasing the flowering period of domestic flowers;
- no risk of soil acidification.
The substance makes seedlings more resistant to adverse weather conditions and provides protection against pathologies and parasites. The drug is available in the form of powder or granules. Thanks to this, it is quickly absorbed by the soil and absorbed by plant roots.
The drug combines well with pesticides. Thanks to this, it allows for complex processing of crops in open ground.Experts recommend combining pesticides with fertilizer in one container.
Fertilizer also has a good effect on soil microorganisms. By creating comfortable conditions, it is possible to more actively structure the soil. This is especially important for greenhouse soil, which often dries out. The use of the substance helps reduce the need for irrigation.
Instructions for using potassium monophosphate in the garden
Fertilizing should be done with a working solution of potassium monophosphate. The composition is used for watering the soil or irrigating the above-ground parts of plants. The procedure should be performed in the evening to slow down the evaporation of the liquid. The composition can also be used in drip irrigation installations.
After prolonged rainfall, there is a need for emergency feeding. Thanks to this, it is possible to replenish the supply of potassium that was washed out of above-ground fragments of crops. There may also be a need for calcium supplementation.
To achieve the desired results, you should adhere to the dosage of applying the product:
- For seedlings of vegetables and flowers, it is recommended to use 7-10 grams per 1 bucket of water. In this case, 2 feedings are required. For the first time, the composition is applied at the stage of appearance of 2-3 leaves. For 1 square meter of planting, use 3-5 liters of solution. The second time it is necessary to apply the composition 10-15 days after diving or transplanting seedlings into open ground. After the appearance of 5-6 leaves, it is permissible to increase the dosage to 5-10 liters per 1 square meter.
- Vegetables require 2 feedings. The first time the manipulation is carried out at the beginning of fruiting, the second time – after 15-20 days. In this case, 5-10 liters of working fluid must be used per 1 square meter of beds.
- To feed ornamental bushes and fruit and berry crops, you need to make a solution of 10-15 grams and 10 liters of water. A total of 3 feedings are recommended. Apply the composition for the first time after flowering, the second time after 15-20 days, and the third time in mid-September. In this case, 10-20 liters of the substance should be used per 1 square meter.
There are also certain features of applying fertilizers for specific plants:
- It is recommended to feed tomatoes with a solution of 15% concentration. To prepare it, you need to take 15 grams of fertilizer per 10 liters of water. Seedlings should be treated twice during the season. This is done at intervals of 2 weeks.
- Cucumbers need to be fed in the same way as tomatoes. But there are some differences. The dosage of the product depends on the shape of the fruit. If they are deformed, then it is necessary to fertilize.
- Potatoes require tops to be irrigated. To do this, you should use 10-15 grams of granules per 1 bucket of water. Apply the product in the morning or evening. The first time this is done after hilling, the second time when buds appear. Thanks to the use of fertilizer, potato tubers become denser and larger. In addition, the composition significantly strengthens the tops. Thanks to the addition of monopotassium phosphate, the shoots do not lie on the ground.
Safety precautions
It is necessary to use monopotassium phosphate in compliance with safety rules. You only need to work with the drug while wearing gloves. It is important to avoid contact of monopotassium fertilizer with the skin and mucous membranes. When irrigating crops, it is recommended to use a respirator. After completing the procedure, you should wash your face and hands using antibacterial soap.
What is compatible with
Potassium monophosphate does not combine with products that contain calcium and magnesium. In this case, the substance can be combined with nitrogen substances. However, it is best to apply nitrogen 2-5 days after potassium monophosphate. The fertilizer goes well with other substances.
How to store it correctly
The fertilizer should be stored in a sealed bag in a well-ventilated area or in the fresh air. In this case, the drug should be kept away from light and water. The substance easily absorbs moisture. Therefore, its use can be accompanied by difficulties. The product's shelf life is unlimited.
What can be replaced
Wood ash can be used as an effective alternative. It can be obtained by burning sawdust, straw or branches. However, it is important to note that potassium content may vary. Thus, in the process of burning straw, it is possible to obtain 30% of the element. After burning birch branches, 13% of potassium is produced, and coniferous trees provide no more than 5% of this element.
