1. Look at the soil conditions
From the perspective of soil texture, the content of available potassium in clay soil is often higher, so less or no application can be applied; the content of available potassium in sandy soil is often lower, and potassium fertilizer should be applied more. Potassium sulfate fertilizer should be used for sulfur-deficient soil; potassium sulfate fertilizer should be used for saline-alkali land, and potassium chloride fertilizer should not be used to avoid increasing the content of chloride ions in the soil.
2. Look at the types of crops
Potassium sulfate is suitable for various crops, especially for crops that avoid chlorine such as potatoes, and the effect is better than potassium chloride. For fiber crops, potassium chloride is more suitable. Since potassium sulfate generates calcium sulfate in neutral and calcareous soils, and generates sulfuric acid in acidic soils, potassium sulfate should be applied in large quantities on neutral and calcareous soils for a long time. Attention should be paid to prevent soil compaction, and organic fertilizers should be added to improve soil structure. Applying potassium sulfate on acidic soil requires adding lime to neutralize the acidity. For soils with strong reducing properties such as paddy fields, the effect of applying potassium sulfate is not as good as that of potassium chloride. The main disadvantage is that it is prone to hydrogen sulfide poisoning. For crops that require more sulfur, such as cruciferous crops and garlic, the application of potassium sulfate has a better effect and should be used first. Potassium chloride should not be applied to chlorine-avoiding crops, nor should it be used as a seed fertilizer. Since the hydrochloric acid generated by potassium chloride in acidic soil can enhance the acidity of the soil, it may strengthen the poisonous effect of active iron and aluminum. Therefore, the application of potassium chloride on acidic soil should be combined with the application of lime as an organic fertilizer to neutralize the acidity. Mitigate poison.
3. Look at fertilizer prices
Since the cost of potassium sulfate is relatively high, the price is significantly higher than potassium chloride, so potassium sulfate can be used for high-efficiency economic crops, and for general field crops, except for a few chlorine-sensitive crops and saline-alkali land, it is appropriate to use cheaper potassium chloride.
4. Look at the irrigation conditions
In areas with irrigation conditions or rainy areas, as long as the soil drainage conditions are good, most crops can use potassium chloride fertilizer, which will not have adverse effects on yield and variety.
