Over 90% of global potash production is used for plant nutrition. Potassium chloride is often spread onto the soil surface prior to tillage and planting. It may also be applied in a concentrated band near the seed.
Potassium chloride rapidly dissolves in water. The K+ will be retained on the negatively charged cation exchange sites of clay and organic matter. The Cl- portion will readily move with the water. An especially pure grade of KCl can be dissolved for fluid fertilizers or applied through irrigation systems.
Potassium chloride is primarily used as a source of K nutrition. However, there are regions where plants respond favorably to the application of Cl- . Potassium chloride is usually the preferred material to meet this need. There are no significant impacts on water or air associated with normal application rates of KCl. Elevated salt concentrations surrounding the dissolving fertilizer may be the most important factor to consider.
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