Overview
Kieserite, also known as Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4·H2O), is one of the best sources for providing magnesium and sulfur nutrients to plants. This fertilizer is highly popular in horticultural agriculture due to its compatibility with almost all types of plants and soil conditions, regardless of soil acidity levels. Kieserite is a fast-dissolving and reactive fertilizer, making it an excellent choice when plants require an immediate supply of magnesium.
Sources and Forms of Kieserite
Kieserite can be derived from two primary sources:
- Natural Mining: Found in regions like Germany, where Kieserite is directly extracted from mines.
- Production Refinement Processes: As produced in countries like China.
Despite originating from different sources, both types of Kieserite contain the same composition, Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4·H2O). Kieserite can be applied directly to soil in powder or granular form, suitable for machine spreading or mixing with other types of fertilizers.
Applications and Uses
Kieserite is typically applied before planting or during the plant's growth period. Due to its fast-dissolving nature, this fertilizer is highly effective in meeting magnesium nutrient demands during the peak growth stage of plants. However, Kieserite is not suitable for foliar (liquid) applications. Alternatively, Kieserite is often used as a raw material for producing Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O), which dissolves completely and is ideal for drenching or irrigation applications.
Soil Needs and Conditions
Soils with low magnesium content, such as sandy soils and soils with low pH levels, require additional magnesium nutrients. In such cases, fertilization with Kieserite is crucial. Conversely, clayey soils in tropical regions generally have adequate magnesium content and are less prone to magnesium nutrient leaching by water.
Application Dosage
The recommended dosage of Kieserite typically ranges from 150-300 kg per hectare, depending on the crop type and soil conditions. In some cases, low magnesium requirements can be addressed using compound fertilizers like NPK+Mg.
