Kaliumsulfaattia

Kaliumsulfaatti, known in English as potassium sulfate, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula K2SO4. It appears as a white, odorless crystalline solid and is soluble in water. The compound provides both potassium and sulfur, making it a valuable source of these nutrients in various applications.

The primary use of kaliumsulfaatti is as a fertilizer. It delivers potassium without introducing chloride ions, which is advantageous for crops that are sensitive to chlorides, such as potatoes, tobacco, and certain fruits. As a fertilizer, it helps support plant growth, stress tolerance, and yield, while also supplying sulfur in a form readily available to plants.

Industrial production typically involves the reaction of a potassium salt with sulfuric acid to form potassium sulfate, followed by purification and crystallization. Common feedstocks include potassium chloride or potassium carbonate. The resulting product is processed into granular or compacted forms suitable for agricultural spreading, as well as finer grades for other industrial uses.

Beyond agriculture, kaliumsulfaatti is used in some industrial processes that require a neutral potassium salt, such as certain chemical syntheses, buffering applications, and as a flux in specific glass and ceramics processes. It can also serve as a laboratory reagent in some analytical and preparative work.

Safety and handling considerations are similar to other inorganic salts. It is typically low in toxicity but should be handled with standard hygiene practices to avoid irritation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. Excessive application in soil can contribute to salinity and osmotic stress, so it should be used according to agronomic guidelines.

See also: other potassium salts, potassium fertilizers.