Potassium Nitrate (KNO3)

Description

Agricultural Use

The use of KNO3 is especially desirable in conditions where a highly soluble, chloride-free nutrient source is needed. All of the N is immediately available for plant uptake as nitrate, requiring no additional microbial action and transformation in the soil. Growers of high-value vegetable and orchard crops sometimes prefer to use a nitrate-based source of nutrition in an effort to boost yield and quality. Potassium nitrate contains a relatively high proportion of K, with an N to K ratio of approximately 1:3. Many crops have high K demands and can remove as much or more K than N at harvest. Applications of KNO3 to the soil are made before the growing season or as a supplement during the growing season. A diluted solution is sometimes sprayed on plant foliage to stimulate physiological processes or to overcome nutrient deficiencies. Foliar application of K during fruit development can be advantageous for some crops since this growth stage often coincides with high K demands during the time of declining root activity and nutrient uptake. It is also commonly used for greenhouse plant production and hydroponic culture.

Additional information