Magnesium sulfate (Epsom s alt) supplies the plants with valuable magnesium and at the same time lowers the pH value of the soil. You can find out in this article whether the preparation is also suitable for killing weeds and how to use it correctly.
Can magnesium sulfate be used against weeds?
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom s alt) is not a direct weed killer, but can indirectly control weeds by compensating for magnesium deficiency in the lawn and promoting its growth. It also lowers the pH of the soil, which can cause clover to die.
What is magnesium sulfate?
Epsom s alt is a powdery or crystalline substance that:
- odorless
- colorless
- and is water soluble.
Magnesium sulfate is not only used as a fertilizer, but also in medicine and chemistry.
Magnesium is an important plant nutrient
This trace element is significantly involved in the formation of leaf green (chlorophyll). If the nutrient is missing, the leaves appear yellowish and the leaf veins appear darker.
Is Epsom s alt suitable for killing weeds?
Magnesium sulfate is not a weed killer in the true sense, as unwanted weeds can also benefit from the additional magnesium doses. However, if the lawn suffers from a lack of nutrients, the turf can become less dense.
Even if you own a garden that is almost completely free of wild herbs, weed seeds will be carried by the wind. If the growing conditions for grass are not optimal, weeds such as dandelions and clover will establish themselves. In this case, fertilizing with Epsom s alt can also have an indirect effect against weeds.
In addition, magnesium sulfate lowers the pH value of the soil, which can lead to the death of clover in lawns. This effect can be reversed by subsequent application of lime.
Before you fertilize magnesium sulfate: take a soil test
Before giving Epsom s alt, you should take a soil sample to determine whether there is a magnesium deficiency at all and/or whether the pH value of the soil is actually too high. The discoloration of the grass as a sole indication of a nutrient deficiency is not meaningful enough.
How to use Epsom s alt correctly?
As with fertilizers, the same applies to Epsom s alt: a lot doesn't help a lot. Apply the product as follows:
- For light and medium-heavy soils, 30 grams of Epsom s alt per square meter twice per season.
- For heavy soils, a single application of 30 grams of Epsom s alt per square meter is sufficient.
Crystals and powders are a little easier to dose for large lawns. When fertilizing, proceed as follows:
- Wet the lawn with a garden hose or apply immediately after a downpour.
- Sprinkle Epsom s alt.
- Water thoroughly.
Tip
If you have fertilized with manure or urea, the plants may temporarily be less able to absorb magnesium and react with the typical yellowing of the leaves. This is also why it is important to take a soil sample before giving Epsom s alt.
