Uses of SSP

Super Sulfur/Potash (SSP) is a 100% natural agricultural mineral/soil amendment that is approved for Organic growers’ use in crop production or nursery operations. This material is mined in Nevada, USA, and crushed to a 1/8” minus format, which contains 25 to 30% powder in the mix. The appearance of the material looks a lot like Gypsum, except it has a yellow/cream color.

• SSP is not crop specific. It can be (and is) used on a variety of crops and nursery operations.
• Analysis on soils and crop-applied water should be used to determine application rates for each specific crop, for they all have their own NPK requirements. Sugar Beets & Celery as an example will use from 550 to 750 lbs per acre of Potassium in the production of a normal quality crop, as Alfalfa & Sorghum require at least 475 lbs/acre. Other crops such as Oranges, Almonds and Corn will only consume appx. 250 lbs/acre of Potassium. SSP is a good source of Potassium, at an inexpensive cost.
• SSP does not contain Phosphate. If desired, Phosphate may be added to SSP as a dry prill such as 0-45-0, or in a combination of dry fertilizer.
• SSP also does not contain Nitrogen. Urea (45-0-0) may be blended with SSP if a “single pass” is desired with spreading equipment.
• SSP can be blended with other dry minor elements such as copper sulfate, etc.
• Typical application rate of SSP is 1500 lbs/acre for soils with a pH of 6.4 to 7.1 Soil pH of 7.2 to 7.8 would require 1800 to 2000 lbs/acre. Soils with pH of 7.9 to 8.5 may well require up to 3000 lbs/acre. Applied water pH should also be ascertained, as water is the largest input to a fertility program. Soil and Water analysis is the correct way to determine necessary applied element.
• SSP and SSP blends are easily applied to the soil with “spinner” type applicators. SSP is dusty when applied with typical spinner applicators. When spreading on open ground, the operator should slow the spinner speed, which will reduce the swath width. This will keep the “fines” from moving off-target. Air type spreaders should be okay, but few have been used- due to the volume they are able to put out. Band spreading in orchards and vineyards is accomplished with “side throw” spinner applicators, where fan-jet irrigation systems are in place. Growers who use drip irrigation may use the side-delivery auger spreader. In any tree or Banana operation, SSP should be concentrated at the drip line of the planting.
• SSP is used to help reduce the pH of the soil and applied water. We have found that SSP most dramatically affects the soil pH reduction when tilled into the soil. If topically applied, the applied water pH is immediately reduced, which will then reduce soil pH at a less dramatic rate. In any case, pH reduction in alkaline soils is essential for good plant growth. Growers should have a goal of 6.4 pH. Plants are most efficient at this level, and beneficial microbes also thrive at this pH level. Plant roots can & will produce more humic acid and carbonic acid which is essential for proper nutrient uptake, which results in strong cell wall strength. Cell wall strength is paramount in disease resistance and reduction of bruising during harvest and shipping.
• One single application cannot solve all growing needs in permanent crops. Annual applications may be necessary, and as pH comes down, application rates can be reduced. You will not be able to solve a pH problem in one single application in one year. pH reduction should be slow and steady, and is often off-set by the pH of applied water during the year.
• SSP is a source of Calcium that is soluble. The soil acid reaction with SSP also helps soluablize exchangeable Calcium in the soil. The Calcium uptake with Potassium is the key to strong cell walls and carbohydrate/sugar production.
• SSP contains all of the minor elements essential to healthy plant growth. Iron is the most abundant element in SSP at 1% to 1.5% of the mix.
• SSP can be applied to raw animal manure, which does the following:
• absorbs the ammonia gas and retains the produced ammonium in the compost as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate. This increases the Nitrogen content of the manure/compost by over 100%- all within Organic approval parameters.
• Retains the Carbon in the compost as a food for beneficial microbes. This reduces the Carbon Dioxide emissions from going into the atmosphere.
• Controls bacteria, such as Salmonella and E-Coli. These and other Pathogens cannot handle the rapid pH drop generated by mixing in the SSP.
• This process dramatically reduces the stench (odor) in the final compost.
• The most effective ratio of raw manure to SSP is 2:1. The resultant compost product is the least expensive source of NPK and minor elements you will find.
• We have growers that apply from 4 to 10 tons per acre of this compost mix.

• 1.) SSP, when applied to vineyards, orchards and plantations, deposits active sulfur-dust on the plant wood and leafs. This fine sulfur helps control insects and disease sources, a real benefit in reducing growing costs.
• 2.) When SSP is applied to dairy manure sumps and lagoons, it controls algae growth by precipitating the Phosphate to the bottom of the sump. This eliminates the Phosphate as a food source for the algae, thus it will not grow. This dramatically reduces the odor coming from the sump or lagoon.