TOPFERT Let's talk about the eight precautions when using Mono-potassium phosphate (MKP)

1.Do not mix with alkaline products

The pH of the 1% MKP aqueous solution is about 4.6, which is slightly acidic.

When mixed with alkaline fertilizers and pesticides, chemical reactions will occur, and cause abnormal chemical reactions such as flocculation, precipitation, discoloration, heat generation, and bubbles. At this time, it will cause the function of MKP to fail.

The alkaline pesticides that cannot be mixed are Bordeaux mixture, lime sulfur mixture, copper hydroxide (can be killed), Pine gum mixture, dipotassium tetrachloride sodium, bensulfuron-methyl (weak alkaline), and sodium pentachlorophenate. As for alkaline fertilizers that cannot be mixed are ammonia, lime, plant ash, calcium magnesium phosphate, ammonium bicarbonate, etc.

2. Do not mix with products containing carbonate (CO3-)

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) gas is produced by the reaction of carbonate and hydrogen ions of MKP such as potassium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, etc.

3. Do not mix with copper ion products

MPK cannot be mixed with copper products such as copper hydroxide, alkaline copper sulfate, copper calcium sulfate, cuprous oxide, copper complexes, copper quinoline and other copper products. These free copper ions will react with phosphate ions to form flocculation, precipitation, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and kasugamycin copper precipitation

4. Do not mix with Free State of middle trace elements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron). Ready to be used when In sugar alcohol state.

These free metal ions will react with phosphate ions to form flocculation and precipitation, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and manganese products.

The sugar alcohol state is easy to decompose under light or high temperature, and the neutralized trace elements become a free ionic state, and flocculation and precipitation may occur. It is recommended not to set the current use time too long.

Inorganic salts are in the free state, so they cannot be mixed with fertilizers such as zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, and copper sulfate.

Mancozeb, zinc, antivirus alum metalaxyl mancozeb, etc.. in pesticides should not be mixed! Mixing with mancozeb will cause precipitation and produce toxic gases. The chelated EDTA will not react with MPK, because the chelated middle trace elements will complex these ions, which are more stable and will not produce free metal ions.

5. Do not overuse in the early stages of the growth period

Potassium has an antagonistic effect with magnesium and calcium ions, which affect the absorption of these two types of ions, which is not conducive to the growth of plant cells, affects the growth of plant seedlings, and has a greater impact on the later yield. Therefore, it is not recommended to use MKP during the seedling stage (1-3 leaves) of vegetables and legumes and before the flowering stage, so as to avoid damage to the seedlings, flowers and pods. If used on the soybeans too early, it will reduce the yield.

6. Do not replace base fertilizer with MKP

MKP is very water-soluble, it is easy to dissolve in water, and it is also easy to be washed away by rain when it buried deep in the soil and the effect is short, so it is not recommended to be used as a base fertilizer. The base fertilizers are still compound fertilizer which has a slow-release and long-lasting effect. MKP has good water solubility and a strong quick-acting effect. It can be used for leaf spray during key periods such as flower bud differentiation and can be used for root flushing too.

7. Do not apply MKP under high temperature and high concentration

High temperature will increase the concentration of the MKP solution and easily cause damage to the fertilizer. If the concentration is too high, it can also damage the fertilizer and burn the leaves and roots. The applying of MKP should avoid high-temperature period like noon, and it is best to use it before 10 am or after 4 pm. High-concentration foliar application is prohibited in the hot season.

Wheat, rice and other crops of gramineous crops can be sprayed at 300-500 times. For other crops, it is recommended to spray with concentration at 500-800 times. The dilution factor should not be less than 300 times, preferably to be more than 500 times.

8. Do not use an emulsifiable concentrate application first before the MKP!

When mixed with emulsifiable concentrate pesticides, the emulsifiable concentrate should be added last to avoid affecting the dissolution of MPK. Because the emulsifiable concentrate is added first, and then MPK, there is no secondary dilution, so the oil will encase the MPK particles. Therefore, when dispensing the fertilizer, the powder and granules must be dissolved first, and the emulsifiable concentrate must be added last.