Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash) 0-0-62
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Potassium Chloride 0-0-62 (Muriate of Potash)
Potassium Chloride 0-0-62, also called muriate of potash (MOP), is one of the most concentrated and widely used dry potassium fertilizers in agriculture. It supplies water-soluble potassium for chloride-tolerant field crops, lawns, turf, and broadacre fertility programs where low cost per unit of K₂O matters. Always base potassium application rates on a current soil test.
Ideal Applications
FEATURES
⚡ 62% K₂O — Highly Concentrated Potassium
At 62% K₂O, potassium chloride is one of the most concentrated dry potassium fertilizers available. This high analysis means less product is needed per unit of K₂O applied — an advantage for large acreage and high-demand crop programs.
💰 Often the Lowest-Cost Potassium Source
Muriate of potash is often the lowest-cost source of K₂O for chloride-tolerant crops. Potassium sulfate typically costs more per unit of K₂O but is preferred where chloride sensitivity or sulfur needs matter — making KCl the economic default for broadacre field crops.
💧 100% Water-Soluble
Fully water-soluble for properly managed soil and fertigation programs. Its high salt index means foliar and hydroponic applications require careful concentration management and are not appropriate for chloride-sensitive crops.
🌱 Promotes Strong Root Development
Potassium activates over 80 plant enzymes involved in root elongation, cell division, and carbohydrate transport — supporting deeper, more resilient root systems that improve drought resistance and nutrient uptake efficiency.
🛡️ Builds Stress & Disease Tolerance
Adequate potassium thickens cell walls, regulates stomatal opening, and triggers systemic defense responses — reducing susceptibility to fungal pathogens, cold injury, and water stress during critical growth periods.
🔄 Optimizes Nutrient & Water Transport
Potassium is the primary osmotic regulator in plants, driving the movement of water, sugars, and other nutrients through the phloem. Adequate K supply directly improves the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake.
🌾 Chloride Benefits for Grain Crops
The chloride component of muriate of potash has been associated with reduced severity of common root and foliar diseases in wheat, barley, and corn, and may improve nitrogen use efficiency by slowing nitrification — potentially contributing yield benefits alongside the potassium effect.
📈 Supports Yield & Marketable Quality
Potassium is associated with improved fruit set, starch accumulation, and post-harvest shelf life in responsive crops. Research in grain crops shows improved test weight and marketable yield when potassium needs — as determined by soil testing — are fully met.
🌍 Commonly Used in Broadacre Crop Programs
Widely used in corn, wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, cotton, and turfgrass fertility programs worldwide. CDFA registered and consistent with standard agronomic recommendations for chloride-tolerant crops.
🔬 Tested for Heavy Metals
Independently lab tested for heavy metal content to ensure consistent purity. Greenway Biotech sources high-quality crystalline potassium chloride refined for agricultural use.
DERIVED FROM
Potassium Chloride 0-0-62 is sourced from natural mineral deposits — primarily sylvinite and carnallite ores — mined and refined into high-purity crystalline form. Greenway Biotech selects agricultural-grade KCl for consistent solubility, uniform particle size, and verified potassium content.
Potassium Source
Potassium Chloride (KCl)
Natural mineral salt providing 62% K₂O and approximately 47% chloride. Mined from evaporite deposits and refined to agricultural purity for consistent solubility and performance.
Compare Other Potassium Sources
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Chloride-free potassium with 17% sulfur. Preferred for chloride-sensitive crops like tomatoes, berries, and tobacco. Higher cost per unit of K₂O.
K-Mag 0-0-22
Sulfate of potash magnesia providing potassium, magnesium, and sulfur in a single chloride-free source. Excellent for soils deficient in both K and Mg.
MKP 0-52-34
Phosphorus and potassium in a single source with no chloride or nitrogen. Used for bloom-stage feeding and in crops requiring both P and K.
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA
0-0-62: Pure Potassium, Maximum Concentration
Potassium chloride contains zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus — it is a single-nutrient fertilizer designed to address potassium deficiency directly, without altering N or P ratios. At 62% K₂O, it is one of the most concentrated potassium fertilizers commercially available, and the most widely used potassium source in broadacre agriculture worldwide.
🌿 Nitrogen — 0%
No nitrogen is present by design. Use potassium chloride alongside a separate nitrogen source (urea, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate) to build a complete nutrient program tailored to crop stage and soil test results.
🌸 Phosphorus — 0%
No phosphorus present. For crops requiring both K and P, pair with MAP 12-61-0 or MKP 0-52-34 to supply phosphorus. Note: potassium chloride is compatible with phosphate sources in most blended dry fertilizer programs.
⭐ Potassium — 62% K₂O
Potassium is the primary macronutrient in this formula. As the most abundant cation inside plant cells, K⁺ governs enzyme activation, phloem loading, stomatal regulation, and osmotic potential — functions that directly affect yield, quality, and stress tolerance.
Why Potassium Matters at the Cellular Level
🔬 Enzyme Activation
Potassium activates more than 80 enzymes in plants, including those controlling protein synthesis, starch formation, and ATP production. No other nutrient activates as many enzymatic processes.
💦 Stomatal Regulation & Water Efficiency
Guard cells open and close stomata using K⁺ ion flux. Well-supplied plants maintain more precise stomatal control, improving water use efficiency and reducing wilting under heat or drought stress.
🚛 Phloem Loading & Sugar Transport
Potassium drives the active loading of sucrose into the phloem, enabling efficient translocation from leaves to developing fruits, seeds, and roots. Potassium-deficient plants accumulate sugars in leaves rather than partitioning them to harvest organs.
🧱 Cell Wall Strength & Disease Resistance
Potassium promotes synthesis of structural carbohydrates that reinforce cell walls. Thicker walls are physically harder for fungal hyphae to penetrate, providing a passive disease barrier that complements systemic immunity.
The Role of Chloride
🦠 Disease Suppression in Grains
Research in wheat and barley has shown that chloride application may reduce the severity of common root rot, take-all, and stripe rust. Chloride's suppressive effect is associated with its influence on soil pH and microbial competition around the root zone, though responses vary by soil type, pathogen pressure, and crop.
🌡️ Osmotic & Photosynthetic Functions
Chloride is an essential micronutrient required for the water-splitting reaction in photosystem II and for charge balance in cellular compartments. Most soils supply adequate chloride naturally, but deficiencies occur in inland, high-rainfall, or intensively leached soils.
⚠️ Chloride-Sensitive or Quality-Sensitive Crops
Crops such as tobacco, potatoes, many berries, grapes, tomatoes, and peppers may perform better with sulfate-based potassium sources. Sensitivity varies by crop, cultivar, irrigation water quality, and soil drainage. When chloride accumulation is a concern, choose Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or K-Mag 0-0-22.
APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS
Field Crops — Broadcast Application
Important: Potassium programs for field crops should always be based on a current soil test and estimated crop removal. The ranges below are general reference figures for medium-testing soils at typical yield goals. Actual rates may be higher or lower depending on soil test level, expected yield, soil texture, and local extension recommendations.
| Crop | Typical K₂O Removal (lbs/acre) | Approx. KCl Needed to Supply That K₂O | Timing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa (per cutting) | 50–70 lbs K₂O | ~80–115 lbs KCl | Apply after each cutting; confirm with soil test |
| Corn (200 bu/acre) | ~165 lbs K₂O | ~266 lbs KCl | Pre-plant broadcast or split with side-dress |
| Cotton | Highly variable by yield goal | Consult local extension | Split applications strongly recommended |
| Peanuts | Highly variable by yield goal | Consult local extension | Soil test essential; apply at pegging stage (beginning of pod development) |
| Soybeans (50 bu/acre) | ~130 lbs K₂O | ~210 lbs KCl | Pre-plant broadcast |
| Wheat / Barley | ~65–100 lbs K₂O | ~105–160 lbs KCl | Fall or early spring; based on soil test |
Garden & Lawn Applications
| Application | Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Gardens (tolerant crops) | 1–2 lbs per 100 sq ft | Pre-plant + mid-season |
| Lawns & Turf | 10–15 lbs per 1,000 sq ft/year | Split into 2–3 applications |
| Ornamental Beds | 1–1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft | Spring + fall |
| Trees & Shrubs | 0.5–1 lb per inch of trunk diameter | Annual; apply at drip line |
Liquid, Fertigation & Hydroponic Applications
| Method | Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fertigation (drip injection) | 2–3 lbs per 100 gallons | Inject weekly during active growth; monitor EC |
| Hydroponic (with caution) | Use only in carefully controlled formulations | Not preferred for recirculating systems; sulfate-based K sources recommended for most crops. Monitor EC and chloride closely if used. |
| Foliar Spray | Use with caution — low concentrations only | High salt index increases burn risk. Test on a small area first; soil or fertigation applications are safer for most growers. |
| Stock Solution (fertigation) | 3 lbs per gallon | For fertigation systems only — dilute 1:100 before injection. Not intended for hydroponic formulations. |
Coverage Guide by Package Size
| Package Size | Garden Coverage (1.5 lbs/100 sq ft) | Lawn Coverage (12.5 lbs/1,000 sq ft) | Field Coverage (200 lbs/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | ~133 sq ft | ~160 sq ft | — |
| 5 lbs | ~333 sq ft | ~400 sq ft | — |
| 25 lbs | ~1,667 sq ft | ~2,000 sq ft | ~0.1 acre |
| 50 lbs | ~3,333 sq ft | ~4,000 sq ft | ~0.25 acre |
HOW TO USE
Soil & Garden Beds
- Confirm your crop or grass variety is chloride-tolerant before applying (see crop list in Application Rates).
- Take a soil test to confirm potassium deficiency before applying — over-application increases soil salinity and can reduce yields.
- Broadcast granules evenly over the soil surface using a spreader or by hand for small areas.
- Incorporate into the top 2–4 inches of soil with a rake or tiller to reduce salt concentration near the surface.
- Water thoroughly after application to move potassium into the root zone and reduce surface salt injury risk.
- For high-rate applications (cotton, peanuts), split the total into 2–3 applications spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
Fertigation & Drip Systems
- Dissolve potassium chloride completely in a small volume of water before adding to the injection tank.
- Use 2–3 lbs per 100 gallons of water for standard fertigation; adjust based on crop stage and EC targets.
- Monitor EC (electrical conductivity) regularly — muriate of potash contributes significantly to solution EC.
- Flush the system with plain water at the end of each fertigation cycle to prevent salt buildup in emitters.
- Use separate stock tanks for calcium fertilizers and other concentrated fertilizer salts whenever possible. If combining in a main tank, always dilute each independently before mixing, and jar-test unfamiliar tank combinations before injecting.
Hydroponics
- If used in a controlled formulation, monitor EC and solution chloride levels at every reservoir change.
- Use only in open (non-recirculating) or drain-to-waste systems where chloride buildup is not a concern.
- Do not use for chloride-sensitive crops including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, strawberries, or cucumbers.
Foliar Application
Pro Tip: Pre-Plant Banding for Corn & Soybeans
Rather than broadcasting the full rate pre-plant, apply 50–60% of the seasonal potassium rate as a banded application 2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed at planting. This concentrates K near developing roots and reduces the total product needed — a common practice in commercial corn and soybean production that can improve early-season uptake without increasing soil salinity risks from a single heavy broadcast.
When Potassium Chloride Is the Right Choice
- You're growing chloride-tolerant crops: corn, wheat, barley, soybeans, alfalfa, cotton, sugar beets, or turfgrass
- You need a cost-effective potassium source for large acreage or high-rate programs where chloride is not a concern
- Your soil test shows potassium deficiency and chloride levels are not already elevated
- You're building a blended dry fertilizer program and need a concentrated K source
- Chloride suppression of grain diseases (take-all, root rot) is a management goal
When to Consider Other Options
- Growing chloride-sensitive crops (tobacco, potatoes, berries, grapes, tomatoes) — use Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 instead
- Your soil already has elevated chloride levels from prior KCl applications or irrigation water — test before reapplying
- You need potassium + sulfur in one product for sulfur-deficient soils — use Potassium Sulfate or K-Mag 0-0-22
- You need potassium + magnesium in one application — use K-Mag 0-0-22
- You're growing premium fruit or vegetable crops where chloride could reduce sugar content or marketable quality — choose a sulfate-based potassium source
- You're running a recirculating hydroponic system — use Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or MKP 0-52-34 instead
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling bulk quantities or preparing liquid solutions
- Wear safety glasses or goggles — fine dust can cause eye irritation
- Use a dust mask (N95 or better) when working with dry product in enclosed spaces or windy conditions
- Wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes to minimize skin exposure
- Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in the original sealed container
- Potassium chloride is highly hygroscopic — moisture causes caking; reseal bags promptly after use
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 104°F (40°C)
- Store away from incompatible materials including strong oxidizers and concentrated acids
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Application Precautions
- High salt index (116) — avoid direct seed contact and keep away from plant stems and crowns
- Do not apply to dry foliage or during high heat (above 85°F) to prevent foliar burn
- Do not mix concentrated KCl stock solution directly with calcium nitrate — dilute separately and combine in the main tank
- In fertigation systems, flush lines after injection to prevent salt buildup in emitters
- Do not apply to waterways, drainage ditches, or areas where runoff could enter aquatic systems
- Avoid applying immediately before heavy rainfall to prevent nutrient loss through leaching on sandy soils
First Aid
- Eye contact: Flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids periodically. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention immediately.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation persists.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.
COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
Potassium chloride supplies potassium only — pair it with complementary fertilizers to build a complete nutrient program for your specific crops and soil conditions.
Urea 46-0-0
The highest-concentration nitrogen source available. Combine with KCl for a high-analysis NK dry blend suitable for corn, wheat, and grass programs.
Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0
Nitrogen + sulfur in one product. Pairs well with KCl for sulfur-deficient soils growing nitrogen and potassium-demanding crops like corn and alfalfa.
MAP 12-61-0
High-phosphorus nitrogen source. Combine with KCl for NPK programs requiring concentrated phosphorus delivery alongside potassium.
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0
Nitrate nitrogen + calcium. In fertigation programs, mix calcium nitrate and KCl in separate stock tanks — dilute each independently before combining in the main tank to avoid precipitation.
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Chloride-free potassium with 17% sulfur. The recommended alternative for chloride-sensitive crops — keep both on hand when managing mixed-crop operations.
Magnesium Nitrate 11-0-0
Soluble nitrogen and magnesium for fertigation programs. Addresses magnesium deficiency in high-K soils where potassium can antagonize magnesium uptake.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is potassium chloride (muriate of potash) and how is it different from other potassium fertilizers?
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the most concentrated and widely used potassium fertilizer in the world, containing 62% K₂O. Its key distinction from other potassium sources is that it contains approximately 47% chloride alongside potassium. Potassium sulfate (0-0-53) supplies potassium with sulfur and no chloride — preferred for chloride-sensitive crops. K-Mag (0-0-22) supplies potassium, magnesium, and sulfur without chloride. Muriate of potash is the lowest-cost option per unit of K₂O, making it the dominant choice for chloride-tolerant field crops on large acreage.
Which crops should NOT receive potassium chloride?
Crops that are sensitive to elevated chloride levels include tobacco (chloride reduces leaf quality), potatoes (can lower specific gravity and cause internal blackening), strawberries and raspberries (reduces sugar content), grapes (affects wine quality), tomatoes and peppers (quality and flavor impacts), citrus (leaf burn risk), and ornamentals like azaleas and rhododendrons. For any of these crops, use Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or K-Mag 0-0-22 as chloride-free alternatives. When in doubt, a soil chloride test can help determine whether chloride accumulation is already a concern.
What is the function of potassium in plants — why does it matter so much?
Potassium is involved in more plant physiological processes than any other mineral nutrient except nitrogen. It activates over 80 plant enzymes, regulates stomatal opening and closing (which controls water use and CO₂ intake), drives sugar loading into the phloem for transport to fruits and roots, and strengthens cell walls against disease and physical stress. Potassium deficiency typically shows as scorching or browning along leaf margins, reduced fruit size, and increased susceptibility to drought and disease. For a deeper look at potassium's role in plant health, see our article: What is the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants?
Can I mix potassium chloride with calcium nitrate in a fertigation system?
Yes, with care. Use separate stock tanks for calcium fertilizers and other concentrated fertilizer salts whenever possible. Always dilute each independently before combining in your main fertigation tank, and jar-test unfamiliar tank mixes before injecting. At working concentrations (2–3 lbs KCl per 100 gallons), the two are widely used together in greenhouse and drip irrigation programs, but concentrated solutions should never be mixed directly.
How does chloride in muriate of potash affect soil and crop health?
Chloride is actually an essential plant micronutrient — required in small amounts for the water-splitting step in photosynthesis and for osmotic regulation. In grain crops like wheat and barley, chloride has been shown in research to suppress common root rot, take-all disease, and strip rust, often improving yields beyond what potassium alone would provide. The concern with chloride arises with sensitive crops or when chloride accumulates in soil through repeated high-rate KCl applications without adequate leaching. Sandy, high-rainfall soils rarely develop chloride problems; heavier soils with limited drainage or irrigation water already high in chloride deserve more attention. For more on how potassium and manganese interact in plant nutrition, see: What is the Role of Manganese and Potassium?
What is the salt index of potassium chloride, and why does it matter?
Potassium chloride has a salt index of approximately 116 (relative to sodium nitrate = 100), which is among the highest of any common potassium fertilizer. A high salt index means the product creates more osmotic pressure in the soil solution per unit weight, which can slow germination, reduce root growth, and cause foliar burn if applied at excessive rates or in direct contact with seeds, seedling roots, or foliage. Practical management: avoid seed-zone contact, split high rates into multiple applications, water in thoroughly after broadcast application, and keep foliar concentrations low — test on a small area first.
How does potassium chloride compare to potassium sulfate in cost and performance?
Muriate of potash is often the lowest-cost source of K₂O for chloride-tolerant crops. Potassium sulfate typically costs more per unit of K₂O but is preferred when the crop is chloride-sensitive, the soil is already high in chloride, sulfur is needed alongside potassium, or product quality is a primary concern (sugar crops, premium vegetables, tobacco). For mixed operations with both tolerant and sensitive crops, keeping both products on hand is the most flexible approach.
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Product Quality & Testing
- CDFA registered — complies with California Department of Food and Agriculture fertilizer regulations
- Independently lab tested for heavy metal content to ensure product purity
- Agricultural-grade crystalline KCl sourced for consistent solubility and verified K₂O content
- Packaged and distributed from our Madera, California facility
90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, return the unused portion in its original packaging within 90 days for a full refund. No complicated forms — contact us at questions@greenwaybiotech.com and we'll take care of you.
Environmental Responsibility
- Precision formulation helps growers apply the right amount — reducing excess potassium runoff into waterways
- Concentrated formula (62% K₂O) means less packaging and transportation per unit of nutrient delivered
- We are committed to providing agronomically sound recommendations that support sustainable soil health over time
Charitable Contributions
1% of all profits go to our foundation, focused on improving educational opportunities for children in underserved communities. Every purchase contributes directly to this mission.
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