Increase Citrus Yields

Successfully growing a high-quality citrus crop on Florida's calcareous soils requires increased nutritional management. While these soils often are naturally low in K and Mg, the high Ca levels further suppress K and Mg uptake, making it difficult to maintain a proper balance of soil nutrients. K-Mag helps provide K and Mg in the appropriate balance.

Each of the three essential nutrients in K-Mag contributes to increased citrus productivity:

Potassium (K)

Citrus fruits remove large amounts of K compared with other nutrients. On sandy, well drained soils, K rates can approach 1.25 times that of nitrogen (N). K is highly recognized for its impact on fruit quality, contributing to fruit formation and enhancing fruit size, flavor and color. Alternatively, K deficiency can lead to disease problems, reduced fruiting, and early fruit drop.

Magnesium (Mg)

Mg deficiency is rampant in citrus orchards. The familiar "bronzing" effect of mature leaves is a signal to growers that fruit has stripped Mg from the leaves. Mg-deficient citrus plants easily drop leaves in unfavorable conditions such as cold weather and water stress. The defoliated twigs become weak and ultimately lead to reduced fruit production. It is critical to maintain Mg levels for the long-term tree health and productivity. K-Mag provides a readily available soluble source of Mg, and it supplies K and Mg in the proper balance.

Sulfur (S)

Citrus crops demand S in proper balance with N. S is a key element in proteins, and is vital to vitamin synthesis. If adequate S is not supplied with N, deficiency symptoms may appear as a yellowish color in leaves, and stunted growth.

Increase Corn Yields

Balanced soil fertility is an absolute must for high-yielding corn production. Yields are often limited by low soil pH and nutrient deficiencies. Corn is a demanding crop, requiring as much potassium (K) as it does nitrogen (N) - more than 200 lbs/A. High-yielding corn also takes up more than 30 lbs/A of both S and Mg. These "secondary" nutrients are certainly not secondary in importance to corn. Deficiency of S and Mg can limit the potential of the crop.

K-Mag is an ideal source of K when there is also a need for Mg and/or S in a fertilizer program. It supplies three essential nutrients without affecting soil pH.

Potassium (K)

High corn yields require high amounts of applied K, particularly during early stand development and before pollination. At these times, absorption rates can reach 10 pounds per acre per day. Second only to nitrogen (N) in plant requirements, K is a key component of both drought tolerance and photosynthesis. As the primary nutrient behind developing root systems, K is also crucial for timely development and crop quality. K deficiencies often result in weak stalks and lodging.

Magnesium (Mg)

A balance of Mg is vital to the well being of all organisms. In plants, the first observable signs of Mg starvation is a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis. As rates of photosynthesis decline, so do growth, quality and yield. Mg influences many complex nutrient relations. Mg promotes phosphorus (P) absorption, but high K rates can inhibit plant uptake of Mg. Applying K-Mag can help ensure K and Mg are supplied in the proper balance.

Sulfur (S)

Corn needs S to completely fill the ear, develop a healthy root system and prevent lodging. S is a key element in proteins, and it is vital to vitamin synthesis in plants - an important determinant of crop quality. S deficiencies are increasing worldwide, largely due to the reduction in S emissions brought about by the Clean Air Act of 1990. Sulfur deficiencies can have significant effects on yield. K-Mag can help remedy S shortages by providing S in the highly-available sulfate form.

Increase Sugar Beets Yields

Research reveals that optimum sugar beet and sucrose production relies on a balanced fertilization program. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements have received intense study. Optimum performance of these nutrients also requires a readily available supply of other essential elements, such as sulfur and magnesium, to ensure rapid plant growth for early canopy closure and for optimum photosynthesis efficiency for sucrose development.

Field studies evaluating sugar beet response to applied fertilizer magnesium and or sulfur are limited. Many production field soils are believed to be adequate providers of these essential plant nutrients. However, for high yielding fields of sugar beets, large quantities of nutrients are removed in the roots and also in the shoots when harvested for livestock feed.

The high levels of nitrogen and potassium needed for high yield/quality sugar beet production supports the importance of a balanced fertility program. Both sulfur and potassium are essential for optimum nitrogen use efficiency by sugar beets. In addition, magnesium is essential for optimum photosynthesis and sucrose formation. For high yield production fields in need of potassium, magnesium and/or sulfur consider adding K-Mag to the fertilizer program. K-Mag is a naturally occuring source of potassium (21-22% K20), magnesium (10.5-11% Mg) and sulfur (21-22% S) in a water-soluble form that is available to plant roots immediately. Each nutrient in K-Mag performs critical roles in the production of a high yield of roots and a high concentration of sucrose in those roots.

Potassium (K)

Potassium helps to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide that enters leaves for use in photosynthesis (sugar formation). Potassium improves nitrogen use effectiveness since both are essential for protein formation. A shortage of potassium teamed with high night-time temperatures can cause an increase in plant respiration resulting in less sugar for storage in the roots. In addition, a balance of nitrogen and potassium is essential for improvement of yield and feed quality of sugar beet forage used for livestock feed.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis (sugar formation). It teams with phosphorus to help provide energy for rapid early season plant growth. Virtually all of the energy-storage phosphate ATP and ADP molecules in cells exist in complexes with Mg ions. Also, magnesium is needed for plant cell respiration for optimum synthesis of protein, fats and sugars. Thus, magnesium is essential for photosynthesis, sucrose production, and for balance with potassium and calcium to improve root absorption of nutrients.

Sulfur (S)

Sulfur is closely related to efficient use of nitrogen by crops. Both are components of essential amino acids required for protein synthesis. Plant use effectiveness of one is dependent upon the availability of the other. Also, sulfur influences sugar quality. An adequate supply of sulfur is reported to help decrease the alpha amino nitrogen content of sugar.

Increase Cotton Yields

Raising a healthy, high-yielding cotton crop calls for a precise nutrient management plan that provides the right nutrients, at the correct rates at exactly the right time. During the spring, when heat units are low, cotton grows slowly and removes lower levels of nutrients. However, during peak growing months, June and July, the rapidly growing plant aggressively begins removing high levels of nutrients. Enhanced disease resistance and top quality fiber depend on proper soil fertility.

Potassium (K)

K is crucially important during early boll set; shortages of K likely will result in lower yield. K increases crop water-use efficiency and it activates more than 80 different plant enzymes responsible for protein synthesis, starch formation and cell division. K also plays a role in disease resistance, most notably against "white speck."

Magnesium (Mg)

Mg is at the center of the chlorophyll molecule, involved in protein synthesis, enzyme systems and oil synthesis. Maintaining a proper balance between K and Mg in the soil and in plant tissues is important to sustaining cotton yields. High levels of added K can inhibit uptake of Mg. Mg deficiency appears first on the lower leaves as a purplish-red color between green veins. K-Mag helps supply K and Mg in the proper balance. K-Mag provides a readily available soluble source of Mg, and it supplies K and Mg in the proper balance.

Sulfur (S)

S is essential for protein production. Since cottonseed is rich in protein, it's not surprising that cotton requires a relatively large amount of S. S deficient plants tend to be short with few vegetative branches and small bolls. Early deficiency symptoms include yellowing of young leaves in the upper canopy. S shortages are more common in sandy, low organic matter soils. And, since the Clean Air Act of 1990, S deficiencies have become even more widespread. K-Mag helps replenish S in the highly available sulfate form.

Higher Yields are Available with K-Mag^® Fertilizer

The shortage of just one essential nutrient can shortchange rice productivity and profits. Growers can optimize yields and maximize profits by providing a balanced soil fertility program that ensures all 17 essential nutrients are available to plants.

K-Mag fertilizer provides three essential nutrients in the highly available sulfate form. Available in Premium, Granular and Standard grades, K-Mag provides 21-22% potassium (K2O), 10.5-11% magnesium (Mg) and 21-22% sulfur (S).

Increase Rice Yields

Rice production is regarded by some as the single most important economic activity in the world since roughly half of the world's population relies on it as a primary food source. Quality rice production demands balanced nutrient management for maximum yields and disease resistance.

K-Mag provides three essential nutrients critical to rice production:

Potassium (K)

K is a key element of all cereal crops because it impacts grain fill. High-yielding rice cultivars need high K inputs to replenish levels lost during production. A 7,000 lb grain crop can remove 170 lb of K, more than 1.5 times as much as N. K also has a profound effect on increasing resistance to disease and insects. By increasing stem strength and producing healthy leaves, K enhances pest tolerance.

Magnesium (Mg)

High K rates can inhibit Mg uptake. Mg, the core element in chlorophyll, is at the center of complex nutrient reactions. For instance, Mg promotes phosphorous (P) absorption. Without Mg, chlorophyll does not perform and photosynthesis becomes impossible. As photosynthesis rates decline, so do quality and yield. K-Mag provides a readily available soluble source of Mg, and it supplies K and Mg in the proper balance.

Sulfur (S)

Sulfur is a component of several amino acids and is essential for plant protein formation. S applications have been found to increase plant protein levels and boost overall yields.

Increase Apple Yields

Tree nutrition is probably the most important factor in a successful orchard operation. Studies show K-Mag can: Improve leaf tissue K concentration Increase soil K levels Maintain leaf Mg levels Increase soil Mg levels Increase apple fruit size Decrease incidence of disease

Potassium (K)

Apples demand high levels of K. Often called the "quality nutrient," K puts the crisp in juicy apples by controlling water retention. K also contributes to fruit color, winter hardiness, tree growth and disease resistance.

Magnesium (Mg)

High K inputs can inhibit magnesium (Mg) uptake, and Mg deficiency is becoming more evident in many orchards. Without Mg, plants can't photosynthesize, and important carbohydrates and proteins aren't produced. Mg deficiencies can cause small fruit and premature fruit drop. K-Mag helps supply K and Mg in the correct balance.

Sulfur (S)

S encourages initial root development, increases fruit production, promotes stronger, more robust plants, and helps protect against mildews. The S provided by K-Mag does not lower pH, unlike other S sources.

Increase Potato Yields

Whether chippers, bakers or fry guys, top quality potatoes require a ready source of essential nutrients to sustain rapid growth. In addition to removing large amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from the soil, potatoes have been shown to respond very favorably to the added Mg and S provided by K-Mag.

K-Mag supplies three essential nutrients, without affecting soil pH.

Potassium (K)

Potatoes require high amounts of applied K. Research shows that added K influences a number of desirable baking and chipping traits, including higher specific gravity, reduced bruising and improved storage quality. Adequate K nutrition also helps improve the shelf life of potatoes for the fresh market.

Magnesium (Mg)

Mg is a pivotal nutrient determining potato quality. Mg has been shown to increase potato firmness, improving storing, baking and processing quality.

Mg from K-Mag increased tuber quality in Idaho trials

Even when soil tests show sufficient Mg levels, additional Mg applications may be beneficial, according to a nine-year study conducted in the Pacific Northwest. K-Mag applications of 20+ lbs/A produced a 3.05 ton/A increase in useable potatoes.

Sulfur (S)

S applied in-furrow has been shown to decrease infection by common scab and black scurf. K-Mag provides S in the sulfate form, so the nutrient is immediately available to the crop.

Increase Alfalfa Yields

Good soil fertility and proper soil pH are two of the most important factors impacting alfalfa yields. Continuous alfalfa production can rapidly deplete the soil of nutrients. Plus, proper soil pH ensures nitrogen-fixing bacteria can thrive. Supplying essential nutrients without increasing soil acidity, K-Mag can dramatically boost alfalfa yields and profits.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is the major nutrient required by alfalfa. In fact, alfalfa requires 10 times more K than P; each ton of harvested alfalfa removes about 60 lbs/A of potash. Low K soil test levels often are an underlying cause of winter kill, and early establishment of broadleaf weeds and grasses compared to more fertile fields. Proper K fertilization contributes to key plant functions, such as photosynthesis, root growth and disease resistance, all of which improve the vigor and yield of the alfalfa plant.

Magnesium (Mg)

High K rates can inhibit plant uptake of Mg, a nutrient that is central to photosynthesis. Many soils may test high in Mg, but the Mg may not be available to the plant. While dolomitic limestone is a good source of Mg, it has limited solubility and may not become available to the alfalfa crop fast enough to overcome deficiency problems. K-Mag supplies Mg in the readily available, water-soluble sulfate form, as well as in the right balance with K.

Sulfur (S)

Topdressing S in the sulfate form helps ensure S is immediately available to plants. S is essential for the bacteria living on alfalfa root nodules to fix N. It also is an important component of plant proteins. On a dry matter basis, one ton of harvested alfalfa hay removes about 6 pounds of S.

*Plants may remove higher amounts of these nutrients if soil test levels are in the high or excessively high range. Source: University of Wisconsin-Extension

Increase Soybean Yields

Soil fertility often is overlooked in the production of soybeans, a crop known for its efficient use of residual nutrients. However, providing balanced nutrition, along with good soil pH, is critical to achieving proper nodule formation and yield. Adequate soil fertility helps reduce risks from weather stresses, diseases and nematodes. Soybeans require large amounts of crop nutrients, especially phosphorus (P) and K. Regular soil testing will help determine the level of needed nutrients.

Potassium (K)

Proper K levels are critical to successful pod formation. K helps increase the total number of pods, and helps the plant retain pods until harvest. Added K also benefits a plant's water balance, making it better able to withstand periods of drought. As K concentrations increase, transpiration loss of water from leaves decreases.

Magnesium (Mg)

High K rates can inhibit a plant's uptake of Mg, essential to photosynthesis. If Mg is deficient, the shortage of chlorophyll can result in poor and stunted plant growth. The loss of a healthy green color is an indicator of Mg deficiency. K-Mag provides a readily available soluble source of Mg, and it supplies K and Mg in the proper balance.

Sulfur (S)

S is essential for optimal nodule formation on legume roots. The nodule-forming bacteria help fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so that it can be incorporated into plant proteins. As the backbone of three different amino acids, S itself is also a key constituent in plant proteins, an important contributor to crop quality. Soybeans may respond to S on sandy soils or soils low in organic matter.