Potassium nitrate - a dangerous but useful chemical compound

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Potassium nitrate (or potassium nitrate) - a nitrogen-potassium compound fertilizer used to feed the various plants.It is an important source of potassium for all crops, and it can be used in all phases of their development.This fertilizer is presented as a fine crystalline powder of white-gray color.It is completely soluble in water, the composition is free of Na and Cl salt, and heavy metals.

Applications

Potassium nitrate - a fertilizer that is especially effectively on soils with medium to high levels of phosphorus compounds.It is better to use in the spring, t. To. If you do fall, the nitrate nitrogen contained in the fertilizer, rainfall during the autumn and winter will wash into the lower soil layers, which would entail two unpleasant things: First, polluting groundwaterwater, and secondly, the fertilizer will be virtually inaccessible to the plants themselves.In addition, potassium nitrate is used for fertilizing crops, which adversely affect chlorine potassium fertilizers.Potassium nitrate is also recommended for foliar application and fertigation system.With the help of make-up done and foliar winter wheat during the heading stage (3 kg of fertilizer per 200 liters of water - a rate of 1 hectare).To feed, a solution of greenhouse plants in a ratio of 50 g / 10 liters of water.

safety standards

Properties.Potassium nitrate - is a strong oxidant.It reacts with combustible and reducing materials.Its density is 2.109 g / cm³, boiling temperature - 400 ° C, 334 ° C - the melting point.Technical potassium nitrate quite toxic, so it is the maximum allowable concentration in the air in the premises should not exceed 5 mg / m sq.Inhalation of potassium nitrate in the nasal mucosa can develop sores and swelling, and by prolonged contact on the skin appear thickening of the palms and soles.Besides, the danger of a chemical compound is in its ability to induce self-ignition of combustible materials.In this regard, a fire or smoke closer than 50 meters from the place of storage, loading and unloading of potassium nitrate is strictly prohibited.Special danger shall obtain potassium nitrate at home.In the event of a fire to extinguish the fire use powder or chemical foam fire extinguishers, large quantities of water, dry sand or asbestos blanket.

Transport and storage

When loading and unloading must be ensured mechanization and sealing the product in appropriate container, and place a possible dust should be equipped with exhaust suction.Staff in contact in the process of working with the potassium nitrate, should be dressed in special clothes, as you must have personal protective equipment, appropriate types of industry standards.Storage of potassium nitrate is carried out in special containers in closed warehouses.Not allowed transportation and storage of the product, together with mineral acids and fuels, as well as mixing it with straw, sawdust, peat, coal and other organic substances, t. To. This can cause a fire or explosion.