SULPHATE SALTS OF POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM, AMMONIUM - ON THE BENEFITS AND HARMS

Many mineral fertilizers contain sulfur, as indicated by their name - sulfate. Is this element harmful to plants? Maybe you should not abuse the sulfate salts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium?

Experts call sulfur a locomotive that brings plants the most important elements for their nutrition: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. This is explained by the fact that sulfates are very mobile in the soil and at the same time pull other substances with them. But sulfur itself is a fertilizer, especially for those plants that have a sharp taste. So, its compounds are part of the burning substance allicin (in garlic, onions and other plants of this family), as well as mustard oil (in radishes, radishes and other similar root crops).

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In addition, sulfur provides a high level of accumulation of sugars and starch in products, and this already applies to a much larger number of plants. Suffice it to say that cucumber, tomato, pepper, eggplant, pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, beets, cabbage, beans, lettuce, spinach contain this element. And the lack affects the quantity and quality of the crop.

Today, experts are not talking about an excess at all, but, on the contrary, about a deficiency of sulfur compounds in the soil. This is largely due to a reduction in the combustion of fuel containing sulfur (coal, fuel oil) in the energy sector and a deeper purification of diesel fuel for cars. As a result, emissions to the atmosphere became cleaner, which in turn led to a decrease in the concentration of this element in the soil. In addition, an increase in the yield of agricultural crops has led to increased removal from the soil, and replenishment often does not occur due to the use of mineral fertilizers that do not contain sulfur.

That is why sulfate compounds will not only not harm the beds, but will also improve the balance of nutrients contained in the soil, which will affect the increase in the yield of garden crops, accelerate their maturation and improve taste. The most common fertilizers are potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium sulfates.

Potassium sulphate stimulates metabolic processes in plants, improves their immunity, improves the quality of fruits, in which the content of nutrients and vitamins increases.

Magnesium sulfate strengthens plant immunity, promotes the formation of chlorophyll in the leaves, the synthesis of protein and vitamins, the full absorption of calcium and phosphorus, protects against fungal, viral and bacterial infections, resists pests (wireworm, spider mites, aphids).

calcium sulphate stimulates photosynthesis processes, increases productivity and improves the quality of finished products, sensitivity to stress from drought and hot weather, neutralizes the soil, improves its structure.

ammonium sulphate has a beneficial effect on the quality of the crop (juiciness of fruits, keeping quality, preservation of the nutritional composition during long-term storage), increases productivity, prevents the accumulation of nitrates in fruits and root crops.

Reference by topic: Nitroammophos, ammophos and ammophos - differences and correct application