Optimizing Plant Nutrition with PeKacid

The pH of soil or growing substrate is the basic parameter for every nutrition programme. When soil pH deviates from the optimal range, nutrient availability can be significantly impaired, leading to deficiencies that hinder plant growth. This can happen, for example, in soils and waters that contain free carbonates (carbonate CO₃²⁻ and bicarbonate HCO₃⁻ ions). Due to their relatively high solubility, reactivity, and alkaline character, the carbonates buffer the pH within the range of 7.5 to 8.5. These ions can also combine with calcium and magnesium to form insoluble compounds like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃).

pH: the Key to Optimal Plant Growth

To adjust the pH to a more favorable level for plant growth, growers deliberately add acids to their nutrient solutions. This process neutralizes the alkalinity by converting carbonates and bicarbonates into carbon dioxide and water, effectively lowering the pH. The most frequently used technical and agricultural-grade liquid acids (like nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric) are efficient but impose safety issues in handling and manipulation.

PeKacid: A Safe and Effective Solution

Some time ago, ICL R&D developed a water-soluble PK fertilizer PeKacid, which has proven to be a very effective solution in this situation. This highly acidic (pH=2.2) product has a dry solid crystalline form, combining the advantages and efficacy of phosphoric acid with the ease and safety of handling a bag-packed fertilizer. It is intended for soil-less as well as open-field horticulture fertigation applications and is well-suited for use in blends with other water-soluble products.

The application of PeKacid through fertigation lowers soil pH within the wetted pattern of the dripper, thus improving nutrient availability and nutrient uptake efficiency, and increasing yields and quality of crops. PeKacid’s acidification power increases the uptake of many nutrients and helps in releasing fixed micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) in calcareous/alkaline soils. For example, dissolving 1% of PeKacid in water with pH 8.0 can decrease the pH of the resulting solution down to 4.5.

The Benefits of PeKacid in Plant Nutrition

Besides being a very effective acidifying agent, PeKacid also supplies two essential macronutrients – phosphorus and potassium. Phosphorus is in the readily available form of H₂PO₄^– (orthophosphate) ions, and potassium is supplied in its valuable chloride (Cl) free form (like in NovaPeaK and KNO₃). Due to its P:K ratio, early season applications of PeKacid can serve as an excellent starter fertilizer, supplying phosphorus necessary for quick and strong crop development.

Since PeKacid is a nitrogen-free fertilizer, it allows growers to fully control the source, level, and timing of the nitrogen (N) supply in their fertigation programs. They can choose the best form of complementary N or completely refrain from N applications, in accordance with the requirements of the crop. As PeKacid develops the acidic soil environment, it reduces nitrogen volatilization, which is very often the case with urea and/or ammonium fertilizers applied to alkaline soils. By this characteristic, PeKacid helps to increase the nutrient use efficiency of N fertilizer applied.

PeKacid offers a safe and effective solution for managing soil pH. neutralizing bicarbonates in irrigation water and improving nutrient availability. Its unique properties not only enhance the uptake of essential nutrients but also provide vital macronutrients like phosphorus and potassium. By using PeKacid, growers can achieve better control over their fertigation programs, leading to quality crops and higher yields.