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Competency Area 4: Nutrient Sources, Analyses, Application Methods

PO 28. Describe the physical form and analysis of each of the following potassium sources.

  1. Potassium chloride
  2. Potassium sulfate
  3. Potassium nitrate
  4. Potassium magnesium sulfate
  1. Potassium chloride: KCl
    • Fertilizer grade: Contains 60-63% K2O
    • Physical form: solid
    • Most abundantly used potassium fertilizer
    • Often referred to as Muriate of Potash
    • Water soluble source of K
  2. Potassium sulfate: K2SO4
    • Fertilizer grade: 50% K2O
    • Physical form: solid
  3. Potassium nitrate: KNO3
    • Fertilizer grade: contains about 13% N, 44% K2O
    • Physical form: solid
  4. Potassium magnesium sulfate: K2SO4•MgSO4
    • Contains about 22% K2O, 11% Mg, 22% S
    • Physical form: solid, water-soluble
    • Good source of Mg and S
    • Often referred to as Sul-Po-Mag or K-Mag

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