Tomato - Intrepid Potash

FAQ

Q
What is Intrepid Trio?

A
Intrepid Trio is natural langbeinite, a unique mineral with three essential nutrients comprised of 21.5-22% potassium (K₂O), 10.5-10.8% magnesium (Mg) and 21-22% sulfur (S) as sulfates, depending on grade.
Q
When should Intrepid Trio be applied?

A
Intrepid Trio should be incorporated into the soil in one application prior to transplanting so that potassium, magnesium and sulfur are available to the transplant immediately.
Q
How does potassium (K₂O) affect tomato plants?
A
Tomato plants must have adequate levels of potassium to positively affect the plant’s sugar levels, fruit ripening and storage characteristics – all of which lead to improved fruit quality. In addition, increased levels of potassium have been shown to enhance carotenoids, like lycopene, which gives tomatoes their rich red color.

Tomatoes require more potassium than any other nutrient, and the demand is greatest during fruit bulking. Each ton of harvested tomatoes can require 6.3 to 8.7 lbs / K₂0 / acre.
Potassium deficiency in tomatoes can cause …
- yellow shoulder
- irregular shaped and hollow fruits
- high levels of internal white tissue
- decreased ripening
- uneven ripening

Q
What effect does magnesium (Mg) have on tomatoes?

A
Low magnesium content in a tomato plant adversely affects photosynthesis, the process that converts sunlight into usable energy for plants. Slowed or diminished photosynthesis leads to impaired growth, thus negatively affecting yield.

Heavy potassium fertilizer rates without a magnesium source can lead to a magnesium deficiency in the soil, as can applying high calcium liming materials on sandy, acidic soils where magnesium deficiency is most common. Applying a readily available magnesium fertilizer such as Intrepid Trio can meet the magnesium needs for a tomato plant throughout the plant cycle.
Q
How does the sulfur (S) in Intrepid Trio benefit tomato crops?

A
Sulfur forms organic compounds in fruits and vegetables that enhance their flavor, while also aiding in the formation of amino acids and proteins in the plant. The sulfur in sulfate form as found in Intrepid Trio is the only form of sulfur readily available to plants. Sulfate-sulfur does not have to go through the oxidation process like elemental sulfur – thus pH is not decreased by the resulting release of hydrogen in the soil. This characteristic of the sulfur source in Intrepid Trio is critical, considering that optimum pH for tomatoes is 6.2 – 6.8. In contrast, other sulfur fertilizer sources can cause a reduction in pH on sandy, acidic soils, thus negatively affecting the crop.
Q
When will Intrepid Trio be available to the tomato plant?

A
Intrepid Trio readily dissolves in soil slowly making it 100% available to the plant and reducing the risk of leaching. Intrepid Trio is available in granular and standard grades. The granular grade mixes and blends well with other fertilizer materials for an even distribution of nutrients.
Q
Is Intrepid Trio available in multiple grades?

A
Available in premium, granular and standard grades, Intrepid Trio blends well with other fertilizer materials for an even distribution of nutrients.