Magnesium sulfate as a fertilizer: instructions for use, composition

Few gardeners know about the benefits of using magnesium sulfate fertilizer for plants. The substances contained in its composition have a positive effect on the growth and development of vegetable crops. Fertilizing will also be useful for indoor flowers, since macroelements restore the plant’s immunity, improve its appearance and increase the duration of flowering. Epsom salt is also used for preventive purposes.

Magnesium sulfate is available as a white crystallized powder

What role do magnesium and sulfur play in plant development?

In the garden, magnesium sulfate is vital. It improves the taste of vegetables and fruits and increases yield. It supports immunity, which is very important for young seedlings, and reduces the adaptation process after planting in a new place.

Important! Magnesium sulfate takes part in photosynthesis, it is responsible for the color of foliage, active growth and development of garden and indoor crops.

It is more advisable to add magnesium to the soil together with mineral complexes, then the plant will better absorb nutrients in the form of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.

Mg is especially useful for garden crops such as tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers, as the element increases the production of starch and sugar. It helps all other crops better absorb the nutrients they need for life, namely:

  • fats;
  • essential oils;
  • calcium;
  • ascorbic acid;
  • phosphorus.

In addition, magnesium has an anti-stress effect. It protects the leaves from direct sunlight, prevents the root system from freezing and the fruits from spoiling.

Any vegetation with a lack of magnesium becomes extremely sensitive to external environmental influences.

Signs of micronutrient deficiency in plants

In fact, magnesium sulfate is extremely important for all garden plants: vegetables, flowering shrubs and fruit trees. But it is recommended to fertilize only when the plant is deficient in magnesium and sulfur.

You can understand that this moment has arrived by the following signs:

  1. The appearance of interveinal chlorosis on the leaves, when a characteristic marble pattern is drawn on them.
  2. A change in the color of the leaf plate, it becomes brownish in color and begins to dry and curl.
  3. Active leaf shedding indicates a critical lack of magnesium.
  4. On fruit trees and shrubs, the fruits do not ripen or become shriveled, in which case the plants also lack potassium.
  5. Slow growth and development is a clear sign of poor sulfur absorption; discoloration of foliage also indicates that the plant is deficient in this element.

Interveinal chlorosis is the first sign of magnesium deficiency

If there is insufficient sulfur content in the soil, the activity of soil bacteria decreases. It is their vital activity and activity that determines how much nutrients the plant will receive. Actually, this is why it is important to monitor the level of sulfur; the indicator should vary between 10-15 kg per 1 hectare. This is exactly how much is needed for garden plantings to fully grow, develop and bear fruit well.

The use of magnesium sulfate for plants must be approached carefully. Incorrect dosage can have a negative impact on plantings. With insufficient oxygen, sulfur is converted into hydrogen sulfide, which, in turn, is harmful to the root system of the plant.

Attention! Magnesia crystals lose their properties when in contact with direct sunlight; their substances simply disintegrate into their components. Fertilizers must be stored in a dark box.

Composition and properties of magnesium sulfate fertilizer

Magnesium sulfate is a valuable source of Mg and sulfur ions; these elements are necessary for all types of garden plantings and indoor flowers. Feeding plants with magnesium sulfate ensures better absorption of many nutrients, including potassium and phosphorus. And they are responsible for the development of the root system.

Contains:

  • sulfur (13%);
  • magnesium (17%).

Depending on the manufacturer, these figures may vary slightly. It is a white or light gray crystalline powder. It dissolves well in water at room temperature.

The low hygroscopicity of the composition allows the powder to be stored outdoors, but it should be protected from direct sun and precipitation.

Magnesia acts as an “ambulance” for garden crops that are deficient in magnesium. In addition, the substance helps regulate the protein content in fruit bushes and fruit trees, as well as in their fruits.

How to use magnesium sulfate for plants in the garden

Vegetables need magnesium supplementation during the growing season. The solution is prepared strictly according to the instructions; each crop has its own dosage:

  • tomatoes and cucumbers – 30 g per 10 liters of water;
  • carrots and cabbage – 35 g per 10 liters of water;
  • potatoes - 40 g per 10 liters of water.

Afterwards, the liquid is poured under the root of the plant, and the perimeter of the trunk circle is also treated. To stimulate growth, you should water the soil with a magnesium solution every two weeks.

Use of magnesium sulfate for fruit and berry crops

Magnesia helps fruit trees and berry gardens to better withstand the winter, making them more frost-resistant and resistant to temperature fluctuations.

Foliar fertilizing with magnesium sulfate is carried out in the fall. Operate according to the following instructions:

  1. Mix warm water (10 l) and powder (15 g).
  2. Mix everything thoroughly.
  3. Apply 5 liters per bush, 10 liters per mature tree.

Before adding magnesium, it is necessary to deoxidize the soil, this is done by liming

In spring, fertilizers are applied directly to the soil. They do this to increase the yield and quality of the fruit. The powder is placed in specially made grooves, then sprinkled with earth and watered generously.

How to Use Magnesium Sulfate for Houseplants

At home, magnesium is used to improve the process of photosynthesis.Most often, there is insufficient lighting in the apartment for the normal development of the flower, and the less light it receives, the more macronutrients it consumes.

This type of feeding has a unique feature - it does not pollute the substrate, unlike many of its analogues. That is, the remains simply remain in the soil until the flower again experiences a shortage of it.

Pharmacy magnesium sulfate for plants should be diluted strictly according to the instructions. But for flowers the concentration should be greater than for vegetables.

How to use magnesium sulfate to feed conifers and ornamental plants

Conifers and ornamental trees require magnesium supplements. The fact is that they obtain chlorophyll, which they need vitally, through photosynthesis. And this process directly depends on magnesium. Fertilizing with magnesium promotes the appearance of new apical branches and the growth of green mass.

Important! Before fertilizing with magnesium, the soil must be limed; in an acidic environment, green plantings do not absorb substances well.

Feeding is carried out in early May. To do this, mulch the near-root zone with powder, hay or fallen needles, then the root system will not be afraid of even the most severe frosts. You can also prepare a solution of magnesium sulfate in ampoules; any option is suitable for plants.

Application of magnesium sulfate fertilizer for flowers

Epsom salt is used as a fertilizer for flowering crops, so it is actively used in indoor floriculture.

Spraying with a solution of magnesium sulfate improves the appearance of indoor plants

Regular fertilizing increases the resistance of flowers to diseases and pest attacks, and increases resistance to harmful environmental influences.

In addition, fertilizing with magnesium sulfate has a positive effect on the quality of flowering and its duration.

Instructions for use of magnesium sulfate for indoor flowers

As a rule, detailed recommendations on how to prepare and use a solution for plants are in the instructions for using magnesium sulfate. Bulk powder can be taken in its pure form - add it directly to the soil. You can dilute it, and then spray the bushes with the prepared solution or carry out foliar feeding. To do this, take 10 g of powder per 5 liters of warm water. Water the soil once a month; for flowering crops during flowering, the procedure is carried out more often - once every two weeks.

Advice from professionals

Magnesia sulfate can be applied together with other agrochemicals. Agronomists recommend using fertilizer when preparing the soil for planting seeds.

In the fall, it is best to add magnesium to the soil in its pure form, and then dig it up with mineral complexes. Over the winter, the salts will dissolve and the substrate will take on a form in which the root system of young seedlings takes root and adapts much faster.

Due to the fact that the drug does not inhibit vegetation, it can be added together with pesticides.

Magnesium sulfate has a positive effect on the yield and quality of fruits

Attention! When using an aqueous solution and dry powder, do not forget about safety measures. Magnesia may cause itching, redness and allergic reactions (urticaria).

Conclusion

The benefits of magnesium sulfate for plants are invaluable; fertilizers affect growth, appearance and fruiting.It can be used in any soil, but it is especially recommended to apply the powder to acidified areas where an increased concentration of nutrients is needed.

Comments
  1. Hello, how to properly dilute magnesium sulfate in ampoules? For tomatoes? How much is one ampoule? Thank you

    06/29/2022 at 11:06
    Oksana
    1. Good afternoon.
      Magnesium sulfate in ampoules is a medical preparation (aka Magnesia), and is not used for plant nutrition. There is fertilizer in dry form, also called Magnesium Sulfate. Here you can feed tomatoes.
      Dilute Magnesium Sulfate (fertilizer) at the rate of 30 g. for 10 liters of water. After the fertilizing procedure, the tomatoes must be watered. Fertilize no more than twice a month.
      For foliar feeding, magnesium sulfate is diluted in a proportion of 15 g. For 10 liters of water.

      08/06/2022 at 07:08
      Alena Valerievna
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