Potassium nitrate (or potassium nitrate) is a nitrogen-potassium complex fertilizer used to feed various plants. It is the most important source of potassium for any crops, and it can be used at all phases of their development. This fertilizer is presented in the form of a fine crystalline powder of a white-grayish color. It is completely soluble in water, its composition contains no salts of Na and Cl, as well as heavy metals.
Fields of application
Potassium nitrate is a fertilizer that is especially effective on soils with medium and high levels of phosphorus compounds. It is better to use it in the spring, since if it is done in the fall, the nitrate nitrogen contained in this fertilizer will wash the precipitation during the fall and winter into the lower soil layers, which will entail two unpleasant moments: firstly, the soil water, secondly, the fertilizer will become almost inaccessible to the plants themselves. In addition, potassium nitrate is used to feed crops that are negatively affected by potassium chloride fertilizers. Potassium nitrate
also recommended for foliar application and in the fertigation system. With its help, foliar replenishment of
winter wheat is also carried out during the heading period (3 kg of fertilizer per 200 l of water is the norm per 1 hectare). To feed greenhouse plants, a solution is prepared in a ratio of 50 g / 10 liters of water.
Safety standards
Properties Potassium nitrate is a powerful oxidizing agent. She reacts with
reducing agents and combustible materials. Its density is 2.109 g / cm³, boiling point - 400 ° C, 334 ° C - melting point. Technical potassium nitrate is quite toxic, so its maximum permissible concentration in the air in industrial premises should not exceed 5 mg / m 2. When inhaled vapors of potassium nitrate, ulcers and swelling may form on the nasal mucosa, and with prolonged contact, thickenings appear on the skin of the palms of the hands and feet. In addition, the danger of this chemical compound lies in its ability to provoke spontaneous
combustion of combustible substances. In this regard, it is strictly forbidden to make fire or smoke closer than 50 meters from the places of storage, loading and unloading of potassium nitrate. Of particular danger is the receipt of potassium nitrate at home. In the event of a fire, powder or
chemical foam fire extinguishers, large amounts of water, dry sand or an asbestos blanket are used to extinguish the fire.
Transportation and storage
During loading and unloading operations, mechanization and sealing of the product in the appropriate container should be provided, and places of possible dusting should be equipped with exhaust suction. Personnel contacting in the process of working with potassium nitrate should be dressed in special clothing, it is also necessary to have personal protective equipment that meets standard industry standards. Potassium nitrate is stored in special packaging in closed storage rooms. Transportation and storage of the product together with mineral acids and combustible substances, as well as its mixing with straw, sawdust, peat, coal and other organic substances, as this may cause a fire or explosion, is not allowed.