What is Potash Fertilizer?

Fertilization is one of the cornerstones of lawn care, and there are many different types available. One of the most common fertilizers used in lawn soil is potash. Potash is composed of minerals and salts with potassium in a water-soluble form. As one of the major nutrients that help the soil and produce and sustain plants, benefits of potassium include improving the hardiness of plant tissue, disease prevention, and protection from the heat and cold. 

Potash fertilizer is one way that potassium is administered to plants. The amount of potassium or potash in a bag of fertilizer is indicated by the fertilizer analysis number printed on the side. This will generally be three numbers separated by hyphens that indicate the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium it contains; potassium, which comes in the form of potash in fertilizers, is indicated by the last number.

Potash fertilizer can come from several sources, many of which are easy to obtain. One source can be from the ashes of burnt wood. Another source is salt from the sea. Compost is a great source of environmentally friendly fertilizer. Using food products like banana peels, which already contain high levels of potassium, can naturally enhance potassium in potash fertilizer.

 

What Does Potash Do?

Potash has a number of benefits that help plants grow and soil become healthy:

  • Increase disease resistance: Plants with adequate access to potassium have stronger cell walls, which makes it more difficult for disease to affect plants.
  • Contribute to photosynthesis: In order for plants to create glucose for energy, they undergo a process called photosynthesis, which can be aided by potash.
  • Helps with protein synthesis: On a deeper chemical level, potash can help plants build the protein they need to grow.
  • Regulates water: Potash helps regulate water flow in plants.
  • Increases root growth: The stronger the roots of plants, the better sign of a healthy lawn. Grass and other plants that spread their roots and strengthen them are oftentimes healthier.

When to Use Potash Fertilizer

Like any lawn application, potash fertilizer needs to be spread in accurate amounts and a deliberate process in order for it to work properly.

A lawn’s fertilization needs vary based on the climate. Potash fertilizer is often used to winterize southern, or warm-season, lawns in the fall. This helps lawns withstand the cooler temperatures and survive with less water and fertilizer. Conversely, nitrogen fertilizer is used more frequently in the spring and summer instead of potash.

If you’re establishing a new lawn, potash fertilizer can be a great way to leach out coarse or sandy soil. The only way to know for sure is to do a soil test for potassium levels. If the potassium is too low, apply potash fertilizer to the turf two weeks to one month after planting.

Potash fertilizer holds many benefits for the growth of plants and nurturing of soil. By having enough potassium, you can help ensure that your lawn grows healthy and green year round.

Do not hesitate to contact us here at LawnCare.Net for any questions about fertilization. We can connect you with expert services and lawn care plans that can help your outdoor space reach it’s full potential.

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