0-52-34 [MKP]

MONO POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE Peak (KH2PO4) is a fully water-soluble P-K fertilizer, offered as a solid salt. It contains 52% P2O5 and 34% K2O. As a Nitrogen-free fertilizer, Peak is the perfect instrument to control the so important nutrient balance between N, P and K. Using Peak offers the opportunity to give the most preferred N-source, but also to limit or avoid the use of Nitrogen in accordance to the crop's needs. Peak is produced in Israel, based on two abundant natural resources present in the south of Israel: - Phosphate rock from sedimentary deposits in the Negev desert. - Potash (Potassium chloride) extracted from the Dead Sea. An innovative and proprietary process developed by Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. enables the production of Peak directly from these basic raw materials, while the final product meets the highest standards of quality and purity. This innovation results nowadays in the use of Peak in many applications where it was not economically feasible before, despite of its obvious technical and agronomic advantages. Due to its high quality characteristics, Peak can be applied in hydroponic systems, in fertigation or by foliar sprays.

Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. 1

Agronomic Benefits & Features

Its low salt index, the absence of chloride, sodium and heavy metals, and its optimal buffered pH (4,5), make Peak one of the best fertilizers to use in a foliar application. The risk for leaf burning and scorching is very low, which makes it applicable even at higher concentrations than normally advised for foliar fertilizers. This opens the possibility to make use of its benefits also in non-irrigated crops and orchards or in flood-irrigated field crops and orchards. Due to its low conductivity value (EC), the use of Peak is very interesting in fertigation, even for irrigation water with a high salt concentration. Peak is also one of the key-components in hydroponics. Its characteristics and its easy handling make it one of the most preferred P-sources in hydroponics. Potassium (K) plays an important role in the formation and transport of sugars, starch and acids. It influences further also the photosynthesis, the respiration and the water uptake of the plant. It has a positive influence on the fruit quality, like shape, colour, taste and shelf life. Phosphorus (P) is a constituent of many plant compounds (proteins, nucleic acids, ATP...). It stimulates the root growth and promotes early maturity and the shelf life and firmness of fruits. Phosphorus is absorbed by plants in one of two forms, either as H2PO4- or as HPO4--, determined by the soil pH. Peak, providing both P and K at a high concentration, combines the benefits of these two essential elements. 1. Increase of yield and better fruit quality Both P and K of Peak in fertigation are offered to the plant in their most absorbable form. The efficient uptake guarantees an optimal metabolism and growth of plants and fruits. Foliar application of Peak cannot replace the soil fertilization, but is an excellent way to provide a supplement of P and K at periods when there is a high need for those two elements. Important phenological stages with a high P and K need are the root development, the transition from vegetative to reproductive stages (prebloom/bloom), the maturity stages and the ripening of the crop, especially with heavy load. Used in this way it will benefit a lot of yield components and increase the quality of the fruits as proven in many field experiments all over the world. Due to its special features, Peak can be applied at higher concentrations than normally is advised for foliar applications of fertilizers. This will increases the effectiveness of the application.

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Agronomic Benefits & Features

2. Peak as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Experiments have shown that foliar applied Peak has an influence on the development of several diseases. ■ Powdery mildew, a disease caused by several fungi (Oidium, Leveillula, Sphaerotheca, S. fuliginea, S. pannosa, Podosphaera, Uncinula necator...) is a main disease in many major crops worldwide. Alone, as a tank-mix or in alternation with fungicides, a foliar application with a 1% solution of Peak could prevent the development of Powdery Mildew in a variety of susceptible crops, such as apples, peaches & nectarines, vineyards, mango, roses, melons and cucumbers. When the infection pressure is low, the best results were achieved with a tank-mix of 1% Peak and half the recommended dose of a systemic fungicide. In the case of high infection pressure, one should not take the risk to lower the amount of fungicide: in this case applying a tank-mix of 1%Peak and the recommended dose of the fungicide will give better results than the fungicide alone. The benefits of this system are: ■ Reduction of the quantity of fungicides (=lower pesticide costs) ■ Reduction of pesticide residues in food crops ■ Lower risk for fungicide-resistance development ■ Stimulation of plant growth (Peak is a fertilizer!) Common Rust in maize is caused by Puccinia sorghi. The development of this disease can be inhibited by a single foliar application of 1,5% solution of Peak, which induces systemic resistance. Also resistance has been noticed against Exserohilum turcicum. The time of application should be the 5th-6th fully expanded leaf stage.

■

3. Some crop specific actions with foliar application of Peak: ■ On potatoes it can effect the number of tubers and the tuber size when applied at tuber initiation. A mix of 2/3 Peak plus 1/3 low biuret Urea, applied at a concentration of 5% (or 20 kg/ha) during this period, and a mix of 1/2 Peak and 1/2 KNO3 during the development of the tubers, gave the best results. ■ The yield of mango trees fluctuates biannually: one year (the "on" year) the tree will give a high yield, while in the "off" year the yield will be lower because the tree needs to recover from the past year. Foliar treatments with Peak were able to flatten this biannual yield fluctuation. Mango trees sprayed with a mix of Peak (1%) and Urea

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Agronomic Benefits & Features

(1%) in the "off" year gave a better yield that year. During the vegetative stage in the "off" year, 6 foliar applications at 10 liter/tree of this mix at 14 days intervals will result in significantly higher flowering and higher yields. ■ A foliar application on citrus trees decreased the acidity and thus increased the sugar-acid ratio of the fruits. Other effects on the citrus fruit: reduction of split and crease incidence, reduced thickness and roughness of the peel, and an advanced coloring of the fruits resulting in an earlier harvest. ■ On olive trees, foliar applications of high concentrations might have an influence on the abscission of olives (under research). 4. Peak is used as a buffer additive to tank mixes of pesticides. Due to its optimal acidity (pH 4,5) quick hydrolysis of the active ingredients of the pesticides in alkaline water is avoided, which makes the pesticides effective for a longer period.

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R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s

Fertigation with Peak ■ In continuous fertigation, the concentration of the nutrient solution should be between 0.5-1.5 g/l. For the mother solution, a concentration of 10-15 % can be used depending on the water temperature. ■ Below-mentioned quantities are guidelines only and are calculated to satisfy the need for Phosphorus and partially satisfy the need for potassium. ■ The number of fertigation applications should be spread over the corresponding period of application. Foliar application ■ Peak is compatible with the majority of pesticides and fertilizers in common use. However Peak should not be mixed with Calcium/Magnesium containing fertilizers. The trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu are only workable in a mix when they are protected/chelated. Due to its buffer action at pH 4.5 Peak can increase the life of the active ingredient of the pesticides. ■ Use of wetting agents is recommended only if Peak is applied without mixing with other products. Optional tank mix with 0.5-1% urea low biuret (U.L.B.) improves penetration. ■ The best time to spray is the early morning or in the evening, when temperatures are lower. High temperature and low humidity increase the susceptibility of the plants to injury from sprayed chemicals. Crops under water stress conditions should not be sprayed. These recommendations are guidelines only. They should be adapted to local conditions, as differences of climate, soil type, temperature, crop variety, application method and irrigation system occur, and should be confirmed by local extension experts. Recommended quantities are calculated to satisfy the needs for Phosphorus, and partially satisfy the need for Potassium.

Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. 5

Peak Recommendations for Field & Greenhouse Crops

CROP

FERTIGATION FOLIAR APPLICATION Nr. of Kg / Timing 2 applica- Concentrag /m Timing ha/ tions tion applic.

ALFALFA

One application through center pivots after each cutting (normally 5 cuts/year)

50

5

5

COTTON

Five applications during growing season: 1.Root development (20 DAS) 2.Flower initiation (45 DAS) 3.Pre-bloom (60 DAS) 4.First flowers (75 DAS) 5.Boll formation (90 DAS) (DAS = Days After Sowing) From Planting until Flowering Flowering and Fruit growth During Ripening

10

1

5

2% using min 400 liter of water per ha (8-10 kg/ha/appl.) By airplane: 10% in 100 liter of water/ha

10 10 15

1 1 1.5

8 8 8

1%

Against powdery mildew* + foliar Feeding

Until flowering During harvest

10 15

1.0 1.5

15 16

1-2% 0.5-1%

3-4 applications from beginning of harvest Against powdery mildew* in roses.

CUCUMBER FLOWERS MAIZE/ CORN MELON/ WATERMELON PEANUTS

From Planting until Flowering Flowering and Fruit growth During Ripening

7.5 7.5 5

0.75 0.75 0.5

20 10 10

2% 1.5%

1 week before tasseling against Common Rust

2%

2-6 applications, one per week, from development of first fruits Against powdery mildew*+foliar Feeding

1-2% 1-2% (200 liter/ha) 3% (200liter/ha) 3% (200liter/ha)

PEPPER

From Planting until Flowering Flowering and Fruit growth During Ripening

15 10 5

1.5 1 0.5

10 10 5

1%

POTATOES

First 3 weeks Week 4 - 9 Week 10 - 12

15 20 15

1.5 2 1.5

6 12 6

5% mix in 300-400 liter/ha (18-20kg mix/ha)

0.5-1% (500 liter/ha)

RICE ROSES

At early flowering 80 days after planting 90 days after planting Against powdery mildew*.+foliar Feeding

Tank-mixes; * 1 application during tuber initiation: 2/3 Peak + 1/3 Urea low biuret * 2 applications during tuber development:: 1/2 Peak + 1/2 KNO3 (Applications at two week interval) 2 applications: 1st at end of tillering, 2nd at panicle initiation (P.I.)

0.5-1%

Against powdery mildew* (up to 500 liter/ha) 3-4 applications during harvest period Against powdery mildew* (IPM).

STRAWBERRIES

From Planting until Flowering Flowering and Fruit growth During Ripening

15 10 10

1.5 1 1

10 10 10

1-2% 1-2%

TOMATOES

From Planting until Flowering Flowering and Fruit growth During Ripening

15 10 5

1.5 1 0.5

10 10 5

3%

WHEAT

3 applications during growing season [+1% U.L.B Tank-mixed]: 1.Early square initiation (40 DAS) 2.Pre-bloom [+B if needed] (60 DAS) 3.First flowers to early (80 DAS) Boll formation. (DAS = Days After Sowing)

5kg/ha

2-6 applications, one per week, to complement fertigation. Apply between heading to anthesis

* Control of Powdery Mildew (during period when usually fungicides are sprayed): In case of high infection pressure: spray weekly tank-mix of: 1% Peak and the recommended dose of a systemic fungicide (e.g. DMI, Strobi, ...). In case of normal infection pressure use one of the following recommendations: ■ Spray weekly tank-mix of: 1% Peak and half the recommended dose of a systemic fungicide (e.g. DMI, Strobi, ...). ■ Spray in alternation - week 1: Recommended dose of a systemic fungicide - week 2: 1% Peak - week 3: Recommended dose of a systemic fungicide - week 4: 1% Peak - Etc.

Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. 6

Peak Recommendations for Fruit Trees FERTIGATION Timing

FOLIAR APPLICATION

gram/tree Concentration

Timing

CROP BANANAS

Fruit formation (prebloom/bloom) Fruit filling

120 120

1-2%

CITRUS

From winter until spring Mid-summer and early autumn

400 100

3 1%

2 successive monthly sprays starting after June drop. Summer and early autumn: 6 applications at 10-15 days interval (Tropical)

MANGO

During spring

250

2% 1% + 1% Urea

Up to three times after panicle development In "Off" year: 6 applications at 14 days intervals during vegetative stage Against powdery mildew*: 2-3 applications with tank mix at bloom stage

1%

2-6 applications together with the application of agrochemicals

OLIVE

From winter until flowering

550

3%

3-4 seasonal sprays: (1) three to four weeks before bloom (mix of 3% Peak + 1% Urea low biuret + B), (1-2) in summer during fruit development and in September during sizing and oil filling (mix of 2% Peak + 2% KNO3).

POMACEOUS FRUITS (APPLE, PEAR, ...)

During fruit development

600

1%

1%

2-4 applications at weekly intervals, from fruit setting until fruit coloring Notice: late season supplement of Ca is necessary to reduce bitter-pit incidence Apply once post-harvest (two weeks after cessation of shoot growth) to increase bud reserves, bud quality and fruit set next season Against powdery mildew*

1%

STONE FRUIT (PEACH, NECTARINE, APRICOT, ...)

From winter until shooting During harvest/ Post harvest

350 175

1% 1% 1%

2-4 applications from fruit setting until fruit coloring Against powdery mildew* Post-Harvest application to increase bud reserves

TABLE GRAPES

From winter until shooting From shooting until fruit setting

240 80

1% 0.5-1%

2 applications: 1 during fruit setting, 1 during ripening Against powdery mildew*: Alternation method starting when twigs are 10-14 cm long until veraison

VINEYARD (WINE GRAPES)

Until shooting Shooting until fruit setting

150 50

1% 1%

2 applications: 1 during fruit setting, 1 during ripening Against powdery mildew*: Alternation method starting when twigs are 10-14 cm long until veraison (=3-4 seasonal applications)

* Control of Powdery Mildew (see previous table: "Peak Recommendations for Field & Greenhouse Crops")

Notice of Warranty Producer hereby warrants that the product conforms to its chemical description and is reasonably fit for the purposes stated in this document, only when used in accordance with the Producers' instructions under normal conditions of use. Producer makes no other express or implied warranties either of merchantability or fitness for a particular use, and in any event Producers' instructions do not substitute consultation with an agronmist in each particular case. Handling, storage and use of the product by the Buyer or User, as well as time, place, climate, humidity and other conditions of a specific application, are beyond Producer's and Seller's control. Risks such as ineffectiveness or other unintended consequential, indirect or special damages resulting from the handling, storage or use of the product are the sole responsibility of the User. The terms of this Limited Warranty and Disclaimer cannot be varied or waived by any written or verbal statements or agreements. No employee or agent of the Seller is authorized to vary or exceed the terms of this Limited Warranty and Disclaimer in any manner.

Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. 7

S p e c i f i c a t i o n s

100% macronutrient content (KH2PO4) Phosphorus P2O5 (available as H2PO4-) Potassium K2O (available K+) Humidity

52% 34% 0.2%

Completely soluble in water with a low insoluble content Solubility at 10°C: Solubility at 20°C:

< 0.1% 180 gram Peak/liter 230 gram Peak/liter

Free of Chlorine (Cl-), Sodium (Na+) and heavy metals Chlorine (Cl-) Sodium (Na+) Heavy metals

20-60 ppm 50-100 ppm < 5 ppm

Easy handling, Free flowing, No caking pH (at 1% solution in water)

4.5

Low salt index and low EC value Salt index E.C. value 1G/L at 25°C

8.4 % 0.7 mS/cm

Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. 8