Potassium dihydrogen phosphate is a potassium salt in which dihydrogen phosphate(1-) is the counterion. It has a role as a fertilizer. is a soluble salt of potassium and the dihydrogen phosphate ion. It is a source of phosphorus and potassium as well as a buffering agent. It can be used in fertilizer mixtures to reduce escape of ammonia by keeping PH low It is highly soluble in water, which makes it useful in various aqueous solutions and applications.
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), also known as mono-potassium phosphate (MKP) or potassium phosphate monobasic, is commonly used in agriculture for its role as a source of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), two essential nutrients for plant growth and development.
Fertilizer: Potassium dihydrogen phosphate is used as a fertilizer to provide plants with readily available potassium and phosphorus. Both of these nutrients are crucial for various physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, energy transfer, and root development.
Starter Fertilizer: It is often used as a starter fertilizer, especially for crops that require an early boost of phosphorus during their initial growth stages. This helps promote root establishment and early plant vigor.
Foliar Spray: Potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be applied as a foliar spray to supply potassium and phosphorus directly to the leaves. This method is particularly useful for correcting nutrient deficiencies quickly and efficiently, especially during critical growth stages.
PH Buffering: In addition to supplying essential nutrients, potassium dihydrogen phosphate can also help in pH buffering of soils. It acts as a source of both potassium ions (K+) and phosphate ions (H2PO4-) that can help stabilize soil pH, particularly in acidic soils.
Hydroponics: In hydroponic systems where plants are grown in nutrient solutions rather than soil, potassium dihydrogen phosphate is often used as a component of the nutrient solution to provide potassium and phosphorus to the plants.
Fertigation: Potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be dissolved in irrigation water and applied through fertigation systems, delivering nutrients directly to the plant's root zone along with irrigation water. This method allows for precise and efficient nutrient management.
Seed Treatment: It can be used as a seed treatment to provide essential nutrients to germinating seeds, promoting uniform seedling emergence and early growth.