Potassium Sulfate

This product contains two essential elements of potassium and sulfur for plant growth, which are used as fertilizer in various industries such as agriculture. It is used in the food industry as a flavoring and also as a substitute for common salt (sodium chloride).

Physical and Chemical Properties:

This product is widely used in various powder and granular forms in various industries such as chemical, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food. Potassium Sulfate with the chemical formula K2SO4 is generally in the form of white (or colorless) crystals, white granules, and white powder. This substance has a salty and bitter taste. Soluble in water but not soluble in ethanol.

Chemical formula	K2SO4
Molar mass (g/mol)	174.26
Appearance	solid
PH (5 % solution)	Between 5,5 and 8,5
Odor	Odorless
Taste	Hard, bitter, saline taste
Density (g/cm3)	2.66
Melting Point (° C)	1067
Boiling point (° C)	1689
Solubility in water	Freely soluble in water
Solubility	insoluble in ethanol, acetone, carbon disulfide
Color	Colorless or white
Form	crystals or crystalline powder
Other names	Potassium sulfate, Dipotassium sulfate, Sulfuric acid dipotassium salt
Chemical Structure Depiction

Potassium Sulfate Production Process:

The production of this chemical is done in different ways, the reaction of potassium chloride with Langbeinite ore, the reaction of potassium chloride with sulfuric acid or sulfur dioxide, water and oxygen, and also the recycling of sugar waste are some of the methods used to produce this chemical compound.

Applications and Uses of Potassium Sulfate:

This known chemical compound has many applications in industry such as Agrochemicals (non-pesticides), Catalysts, Laboratory chemicals

• The most important use of potassium sulfate in agriculture is to meet the plant’s need for potassium and sulfur.
• Potassium sulfate reduces soil acidity and helps to better absorb iron and phosphorus.
• Strengthens plant nodes with high carbohydrates such as potatoes.
• Improve the color quality and taste of fruits.
• In the food industry as a flavoring.
• As a substitute for common salt (sodium chloride).
• This compound is also used in the glass industry.

Applications  Potassium Sulfate Fertilizer in Agriculture:

Potassium is needed to complete many essential functions in plants, including activating enzymatic reactions, synthesizing proteins, forming starches and sugars, and regulating water flow in cells and leaves. Often the concentration of potassium in the soil is too low to support the growth of a healthy plant. Potassium sulfate is an excellent source of K for plant nutrition. potassium sulfate is an important source of S, which plants need for protein synthesis and enzyme function. Like potassium, sulfur can be essential for adequate plant growth.

In addition, in some soils and crops, additional Cl consumption should be avoided. In such cases, K₂SO₄ is a very good source of K. Potassium sulfate is only one-third of KCl soluble, so it does not dissolve as much as potassium chloride to add to the soil through irrigation water and is preferred if additional S is required. Potassium sulfate fertilizer is produced in the form of granules in different sizes, but manufacturers usually produce fine particles (less than 0.015 mm) to increase the solubility of this fertilizer for irrigation or foliar spraying.

This compound can be used as a nutrient at any stage of plant growth and in addition to providing potassium, it also meets the plant’s needs for sulfate to the required extent.

Application of this fertilizer in drip irrigation systems and alkaline soils causes acidification of the area around the roots and facilitates the absorption of phosphate and micronutrients in the soil. It should also be noted that potassium is the best option in hydroponic cultivation as a source of potassium.

Safety Information:

Inhalation of this sulfate causes coughing or sneezing.

Its oral consumption in high amounts causes disorders and irritation in the digestive system.

In contact with the skin and eyes, it does not pose a problem for human health, but the entry of dust into the eye causes mechanical irritation in the eye.

First-aid measures:

Eye Contact: In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water.

Skin Contact: Remove this material from the skin with plenty of soap and water.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Get medical aid immediately. Call a poison control center.

Packing and Storage:

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances and direct sunlight.