7 Reasons to Keep Copper Sulfate Handy in Your Home
Posted on January 08 2018
Of the many substances found in nature, few are as versatile as Copper Sulfate. An inorganic compound derived from the combination of Copper and Sulfur, Copper Sulfate takes the form of a bright blue salt. Due to its vivid color, it also goes by the names Cupric Sulfate, Copper Sulfite, chalcanthite, blue vitriol, and bluestone.
Color isn't the only outstanding characteristic of Copper Sulfate, however. Affordable and extremely useful to everyone from farmers to science teachers, the benefits of Copper Sulfate are vast and far-reaching. Due to its chemical makeup, this compound is highly advantageous in addressing an overly alkaline environment, remedying plant fungi, unwanted root growth, algae growth, and so much more.
1. Fertilizer and Fungicide
Agricultural applications are among the most common uses of Copper Sulfate, boasting numerous functions throughout the care and management of crops. Copper Sulfate is often used as a fertilizer, increasing the copper content of the soil. This can help to rectify peaty and acidic soils in order to create a hospitable climate for plant growth. Further, Copper Sulfate can be used to address mildew, leaf spots, blight and apple scabs on field fruit trees, nut trees, and vegetables.
2. Pipe Clearing
As a potent compound, Copper Sulfate can be used to clear out problems within your pipes. Copper Sulfate is particularly effective in clearing root growth from pipes, killing roots safely and quickly. Due to the minimal absorption required to trigger root death, utilizing Copper Sulfate does not harm the tree itself, preserving plant health while offering a natural alternative to corrosive chemicals.
3. Water Treatments
Algae can be problematic, creating issues with water quality in ponds and lakes. In order to address algae without compromising the sustainability of fish and other animal communities, Copper Sulfate can be applied to the water. Copper is most appropriate in situations with alkalinity values over 50 parts per million; alkalinity below this amount may trigger copper sensitivity, increasing the risks of copper poisoning.
4. Pest Control
For a more natural form of pest control, Copper Sulfate can be used to clear trees and gardens of unwanted critters. A coating of Bordeaux Copper Sulfate mixture can be applied directly to tree trunks to kill snails and slugs, helping to protect commercial or residential property from infestation.
5. Etching
Etching on metal is a popular pastime, both for individuals who are artistically inclined as well as those who want to create a monogrammed or custom look for household items. Copper Sulfate is an effective way to leave a lasting imprint on soft metals like zinc, mild steel, and aluminum, creating an easy at-home approach to crafting. A saline sulfate etch mixture can be formed using a combination of Copper Sulfate, sodium chloride, and water, leading to beautiful marks left on metal without a significant investment of time or money.
6. Fun Science
Chemical compounds aren't just for practical purposes. Copper Sulfate also plays a role in science experiments, including the development of beautiful blue crystals. Performed using a saturated Copper Sulfate, water, and a jar, the evaporation process can create an exciting science project children will love. Simply pour Copper Sulfate into your jar, mix with water, and watch and wait. In hours, crystals will start to form, growing upwards. Once a desirable shape and size have been reached, gently remove the crystals from the jar and lay them to dry on paper towels.
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From agriculture to etching, Copper Sulfate is a versatile, flexible, and effective compound perfect in countless applications. Whether you're seeking a fun experiment to share with your child or a way to strengthen your garden's potential, Copper Sulfate can do wonders inside and outside your home.
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10 comments
Can you use it on drains for a washing machine
Venkatachalampalanisamy: Hello, thanks for reaching out! We would suggest removing the decayed tree trunk completely. We have an article on how to do this with Epsom Salt if you’d like to try to remove the trunk on your own which is linked here: https://www.greenwaybiotech.com/blogs/news/epsom-salt-formula-for-stump-removal
We hope this helps. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
in.My 10 years Old Flowers, Tree One of the. Trunk Infected Decay Adjacent Trunks Bear Flowers What Shall I Do Prevent Further Lass Of Trunks To Bear Flowers Year’s Around From Decaying If Trunks.
Ruben: Hello, thank you for your question! For blight, you’ll want to create an anti fungal spray. Mix 4 tsp os Copper Sulfate Crystals in 1 gallon of water. Spray this solution onto your plants. Avoid spraying on hot, windy or rainy days. You’ll also want to wear goggles, pants and a long sleeve shirt to prevent the solution irritating your skin or eyes. Repeat application every 7 to 10 days.
Susan: Hello Susan, thank you for reaching out! First, you must determine the alkalinity of your pond. You can do this by using a pH test kit. Secondly, divide the alkalinity level provided from the test kit, by 100. This will give you the amount of Copper Sulfate needed for your pond. We hope this helps! Please reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
How much would I use in a 1/4 acre pond?
would like information how to mix copper sulfate for blight in my garden
Ellen if you have an acre of water I would buy a container with a hose attachment so the spray will cover a large area. Start with 2 cups of bluestone and let the wind help move your spray. Your pond will clear up and grow a different type of algae, like sea weed. Wait a couple days and repeat. My fish, bullfrogs never died. You can always add more so start slowly and just use good judgment. The wind is your friend so move the spray to help coverage. Don’t spray into the wind. A 1/2 inch drip irrigation line is a cheap way to make a hose to reach, just put female and male connectors to water fossets and the sprayer. Water will fill the container and dilute the bluestone as it sprays out.
Ellen: Hello Ellen, thanks for your question! The answer to your question is twofold: First, you must determine the alkalinity of your pond. You can do this by using a pH test kit. Secondly, divide the alkalinity level provided from the test kit, by 100. This will give you the amount of Copper Sulfate needed for your pond. We hope this helps! Please reach out with any additional questions or concerns.
How much would I need to put into a pond that is around 1 ac. It is covered in algea