The following are 7 reasons why potassium sulfate replaces potassium chloride:
1) More Energy for the Money
3) Better Uptake of Potassium
Sulfates have a stimulating effect on the microbial system in the soil, whereas chlorides at high levels are very hard on soil biology . In defense of chlorides I must say that a very small amount is actually beneficial for soil microbes. This modest requirement is easily met by the small amount of chlorides present in potassium sulfate. Chlorides usually run 1-2% in potassium sulfate. High rates of chlorides destroy soil carbons.
5) Plants and Soils Need the Sulfur
Most intensely-farmed soils are sulfur deficient. In the past rainfall picked up sulfur out of the air and continuously supplied sulfur with every precipitation. Today with stringent environmental codes and cleaned up smoke stacks the free sulfur is a thing of the past. In order for plants to make oils and sulfur bearing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine the plants need an adequate supply of sulfur in the sulfate form. This is exactly what potassium sulfate supplies.
6) Good taste of agricultural products
When the potassium absorbed by plants comes from potassium chloride, pastures, vegetables, fruits and taste are not good. Whether we like it or not, this is because plants absorb and use chlorides. When plants absorb potassium sulfate, the taste of vegetables and fruits is excellent, the flavor is excellent, and the yield is more.
7) Small amount but Good effect
The application of 100 kg. of potassium sulfate will give a greater plant response than 200 kg. of potassium chloride. We have found that 100 kg. of potassium sulfate is quite sufficient for most crops. The only exception to this is high-value, potassium-loving crops such as Palm Oil, Durian, Nangka, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, melons and others fruit tree.
Comparison between Potassium Sulfate & Potassium Chloride
DESCRIPTION | POTASSIUM SULFATE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE |
Plant absorption efficiency |
100% water soluble. 100% dissolve, absorbed and utilized. |
47% is chloride. 53% dissolve. |
Effect on soil salt index | Salt content 46 ppm | Salt content 116 ppm |
Impact on soil structure | With Sulfur, has the effect of covering and nourishing the soil, balances the soil into neutralization, and enhances the ability of soil to dissolve fertilizer. | There are chlorides and acidic ions will cause soil acidification and at the same time form compaction, which affects the soil's ability to defertilize. |
Effect on the growth of soil microorganisms | Effectively help the growth of soil microorganisms. | High chloride content destroys the carbon in the soil and inhibits the growth of soil microorganisms. |
Effect on soil phosphorus | Effectively dissolve the fixed phosphate fertilizer in the soil, allowing plants to absorb and reuse it. | There are chlorides and acid ions, which will fix and hardly dissolve the phosphate fertilizer in the soil. |
Provide trace elements for soil and plants | Sulfur elements can produce more oil for plants, enhance plant disease resistance, make plants healthier and more yield. | Chloride cannot enhance the disease resistance of plants, but causes more plant diseases and less yield. |
The taste and quality of Agricultural Products | The agricultural products have good taste and good quality, especially fruits, which are beautiful and delicious in appearance and original flavour. | Due to the absorption of chlorides, the agricultural products have poor taste, melons are not fragrant, the fruits are not sweet, and the vegetables are tasteless. |
Benefits for fruit trees | The fruit quality is better and the yield is more. The oil content of palm oil fruits increases, and the weight increases. The durian is more flavourful, no half-ripe, and can sell for a better price. | Due to the absorption of chloride, the fruit quality is not ideal, and sometimes it will be half-ripe. Cannot increase the oil content and weight of oil palm. Unable to sell at a good price. |
Impact on the environment and soil | Environmental protection, safety, does not damage the soil structure, and has the effect of covering and cultivating soil | Destroy soil and environment, cause soil compaction and affect ecology. |
Usage comparison | 1:2 | 2:1 |
Price comparison | RM3,000.0/ton x 1 = RM3,000.0/ton | RM1,500.0/ton x 2 = RMRM3,000.0/ton |