Potassium nitrate is an outstanding source of potassium because of its nutritional value and its contribution to plant health and yield. Potassium nitrite increases yields and betters the quality of horticulture crops, flowers, fruit trees and nuts.
1. Potassium nitrate contributes to the nutrition efficiency of crops.
Potassium nitrate is absorbed efficiently. The synergic effect between K+ and NO3- facilitates the absorption of both nutrients through the plant’s roots. In addition, the affinity between the negative charge of nitrate and the positive charge of potassium diminishes the possibilities of absorbing soil particulates, thereby making them available to the plants for a longer period.
2. Potassium nitrate for healthier and stronger plants
Potassium nitrate is not toxic to the roots of the plants. Unlike ammonia, the nitric nitrogen which is present in potassium nitrate does not destroy plant roots at elevated soil temperatures.
Potassium nitrate increases frost tolerance. The potassium present in potassium nitrate helps to construct thicker cell walls, and increase the level of electrolytes in the cells, which, in turn, increases the plant’s resistance to frost.
Potassium nitrate increases plant’s resistance to pathologies. It eliminates the accumulation of short-chain carbohydrates and non-protein nitrogen, which acts as a line of defense against bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses.
Potassium nitrate makes plants more drought-tolerant, favors the initiation and ramification of the root system and improves better water absorption in the soil.
3. Potassium nitrate for higher yields.
Potassium nitrate has positive effects in the following quality parameters:
Fruit caliber: Larger dimensions and an increase in uniformity.
Fruit appearance: Better, more even colored fruit, reducing color defects or unusual spots caused by mechanical lesions or any other sign of pathology to a minimum.
Nutritional value: (i) More protein, oil, and vitamin C content. (ii) Organoleptic characteristics: Better taste and aroma. (iii) Better shelf-life. (iv) Adequate quality for processing industries.
4. Potassium nitrate combats salinity
The nitrates in potassium nitrate allow the plants to minimize the absorption of chloride, even though it is present in the soil or water. Likewise, the potassium present in potassium nitrate counteracts the negative effects of the sodium. Therefore, potassium nitrate is highly recommended in salt-sensitive crops, and when the irrigation water is of poor quality.
5. Potassium nitrate improves the efficiency of water use.
The potassium in potassium nitrate prevents water loss. Given it is responsible for the opening and closing of the stomata, potassium minimizes plant transpiration and thereby reduces its water requirements. Moreover, adequate potassium nutrition of plants improves water uptake from the soil. Potassium nitrate prevents accumulation of salts. Potassium nitrates eliminate the need to increase water in order to wash salts from the soil.
6. Potassium nitrate is easy to manage and apply.
Potassium nitrate is highly water-soluble. It dissolves rapidly and completely in water making it ideal for use in fertirrigation. As the water temperature rises, so does potassium nitrate solubility.
Potassium nitrate is not hygroscopic. It can be stored in bags or in bulk without absorbing humidity that generates compaction or management problems.
Potassium nitrate is compatible with other fertilizers. It does not generate insoluble precipitates that can clog drip irrigation or injectors, so it can be safely used in the production of different fertilizer solutions in mixing tanks.
Potassium nitrate is not volatile. In contrast to ammonia, it is not necessary to mix it into the soil when applied over large areas or locally.
