EASY PK in cotton

Good value in using EASY PK for cotton

By Chris Dowling, Nutrient Management Systems

Cotton growers may find it worthwhile to take a closer look at EASY PK®,  Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ potassium and phosphorus liquid fertiliser.

EASY PK is a potassium phosphate based fertiliser solution, with 1% nitrogen (w/v), 12% phosphorus (w/v) and 24% potassium (w/v).

There are a couple of reasons why I think it has value for cotton growers.

Firstly, applying phosphorus with potassium in sprays to address early senescence initiated by waterlogging is likely to improve the effectiveness of the spray.

Research conducted by PhD student, Ivan McLeod, in the late 1990s suggested that low availability of phosphorus during the recovery phase of waterlogging plays a role in triggering early senescence, along with the already recognised potassium deficiency. Unfortunately, this research was never published.

There is a gap in agricultural research information about the particular potassium compound used in EASY PK, both here and in the United States, which I hope will soon be addressed.

The combination of nutrients in EASY PK is closely aligned with the nutrients thought to be required.

So while we can’t claim at this stage that EASY PK is a better option for addressing early senescence in cotton, we know it is no worse and has every chance of being better than products containing potassium nitrate and potassium sulphate.

Easier application

EASY PK also has the added advantage of being convenient to use.

Cotton growers are assured of a high quality product and don’t have to mix solids in the paddock.

Further to this, the chemical compound that EASY PK is based on has a lower salt index than other common potassium compounds, making it softer on plant foliage.

All fertilisers can cause crop damage in the wrong circumstances, so care should still be taken to use appropriate rates and spraying practices.

In fields prone to early senescence, EASY PK could be used three to five times between early flowering and first open boll.

Rates of 10 to 15 L/ha of EASY PK will supply 2.4 to 3.6 kg/ha of potassium and 1.2 to 1.8 kg/ha of phosphorus. EASY PK can be applied neat at these rates or diluted in water for better coverage.

EASY PK is also compatible with Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ liquid nitrogen fertiliser, EASY N.

EASY PK should be diluted in an equal quantity of water before EASY N is added to ensure potassium nitrate crystals do not form.

For further information, contact your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Distributor or freecall 1800 009 832.

www.incitecpivot.com.au

This is a guide only, which we hope you find helpful as a general tool. While Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this guide, it should not be relied on as a substitute for tailored professional advice and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers accepts no liability in connection with this guide. Talk to your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Distributor Agronomist about soil testing and arranging a specific fertiliser recommendation that best suits your needs.

® EASY N and EASY PK are registered trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited.

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, ABN 42 004 080 264.

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