Iron Sulphate Powder

Iron (Ferrous) Sulphate Heptahydrate Powder is in a soluable type that can be mixed with compost and dug into to the soil (or applied on top of) to create a store which can last for years.
The Agricultural, Lawn and Garden, and Turf Management industries use Iron Sulphate to correct
iron chlorosis or deficiencies in plants and soils, to eliminate moss, to reduce alkalinity (pH), and as a trace element or micronutrient in fertilisers. It also can suppress worms and work as a turf hardener to help against disease.

Iron products encourage deep greening of turf grasses without encouraging excessive growth,
helping lawns achieve a lush appearance without the overuse of nitrogen fertilisers.

Soil Test

Before applying any amendments or chemical treatments to your lawn, conduct a thorough soil test. Purchase a kit at a local garden centre or consult a quality landscape service, if available in your area. Otherwise Plant Doctor can arrange these tests to be done on your behalf.

Choose a test that assesses pH, organic matter content and chemistry. Iron deficiency causes
yellowing of leaves, called chlorosis, and poor overall health of turf grasses. In alkaline soils with a
pH well above 7.0, iron becomes bound to soil particles and unavailable for plant root absorption.
Lowering your soil pH to a mildly acidic condition helps free iron, supporting healthier lawn growth.

Soil Acidification

Our Iron Sulphate contains about 20% iron, along with 17.5% oxidised Sulphur. When used as a soil
treatment, naturally occurring soil microbes break down the component minerals. This frees Sulphur and Iron that grasses can use for photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis and to build essential enzymes and proteins. During the conversion process, a small amount of sulphur is released into the soil as Sulphuric acid. This is a benefit to alkaline soil, as the process lowers its pH. However, too much Iron Sulphate can drive down soil pH too far, creating a root environment that is excessively acidic.

Lawn Fertilisation

Many lawn fertilisers contain a high amount of Nitrogen to support vigorous, green growth, but
there are drawbacks to using too much nitrogen-based fertiliser. Excess Nitrogen can encourage
lawn diseases and insect pests. Also, Nitrogen is easily leached (run-off) from soils by rainwater or
irrigation. It may find its way into drinking water tables and sensitive aquatic ecosystems. In streams, rivers and estuaries. Using Iron Sulphate as a fertiliser may be a more environmentally friendly alternative in many cases.

Moss Control

If mosses have invaded portions of your lawn, Iron Sulphate can help control them. Since Iron
Sulphate is an organic chemical compound that also provides soil nutrients, it poses much less risk to the environment than many synthetic herbicides. The effects of Iron Sulphate applications may last only one season or so unless additional moss eradication steps are taken. These include manual removal of any residual moss, sowing grass seed varieties best suited to your climate and
dethatching your lawn regularly.

Application rates:

The recommended application rate is 35gramms per square metre. Do not over apply: use the
recommended rates only. Use Iron Sulphate as a Lawn Tonic and to Kill Moss

Application rate for green up of lawn: Use 0.5 to 1g per square metre.
Application rate for turf hardening: Use 1.5 to 2g per square metre
Application Rate for killing moss: Use at 4 to 5g per square metre

Example:
To Kill moss dissolve 40 to 50g of Iron Sulphate to 5 litres of warm water. Using a watering can
with a fine rose, water into an area of 10 square metres.
By sprayer use 12-18 litres of the mixture per 100 square metres
For best results it is best to treat the whole lawn, not just the mossy areas as iron sulphate has an
acidifying effect and can cause a difference between treated and untreated areas.

To correct iron deficiency:

Use 20-30g per square metre. Spread evenly over the surface (or mix in with top-dress) and water in well. Re-apply every season, or as required.

For soil acidity:

Use 25-35g per square metre. Spread evenly over the surface (or mix in with top-dress) and water in well. Re-apply as required.

To eliminate moss:

Use 10-20g per square metre. Spread evenly over the surface and water in well. Can be applied at most times of the year, spring being the most common time, as this is when moss treatment is often carried out. However, frequent applications (every 6 – 8 weeks) from late autumn, through the winter into early spring will certainly help prevent moss from forming during this time. When the product has been applied with a spreader it is important to stay off the lawn until it has been watered thoroughly.

Sulphate of Iron is a very fine powder and it is generally spread in its powder form. You can spread it using a broadcast spreader which is recommended as it gives an even and steady application.
Broadcast spreaders also ensure that the iron does not blow onto paving etc. or worse again right
into your face.

If you choose to spread the product by hand you should do so on a clam day and become familiar
with the direct of wind. Avoid spreading Iron Sulphate into the wind and wear protective gloves and
a dust mask at all times.

Warning:

Iron sulphate can stain paths, concrete, paving, clothes and skin, so always wear old clothes, wash
hands after use and be careful when applying near concrete and paths etc. if a small amount of the
product blows onto paving etc. then a quick sweep should prevent any lasting damage.

Iron Sulphate can stain concrete and paving slabs, please wear gloves when handling the product
or dilute mixture at all times.

Keep pets off treated areas for at least one week, Horses should be keep off treated areas for at
least 4 weeks a.nd not allowed to graze.

Analysis: FeSO4.7H20 (Fe+>30%)

Note:

Any rates that we recommend should also take into account the nutrient levels in your own soil.  In
studies it has been found that many private gardeners are using up to 5 times the amount of
fertiliser than is necessary.  Our recommendation is that you either invest in a soil testing kit or send a sample to a soil analyst service for advice before using fertilisers.  We also advise caution with regard to waterways as overuse can cause run off and contamination.  Applying fertilisers little and often and then retesting your soil is good practice.

Fertiliser manufacturers may legitimately include some inert material like clay or sand into their
products in order to act as a carrier to ensure that the correct levels of nutrient are present in that
particular compound.