The article describes the food additive (gelling agent, stabilizer) potassium chloride (E508, potassium chloride), its use, effect on the body, harm and benefit, composition, consumer reviews
Other additive names: potassium chloride, E508, E508, E508

Functions performed

gelling agent, stabilizer

Legality of use

Ukraine EU Russia

Potassium chloride, E508 – what is it?

Potassium chloride (food additive E508) is a close “relative” of regular table salt (sodium chloride). Both of these substances are close in their physical and chemical properties and externally. Potassium chloride (potassium chloride) is odorless white crystals with a salty taste. Chemical formula potassium chloride – KCl.
The sources of raw materials for the production of dietary supplement E508 are the fossil minerals sylvite and halite (they are components another mineral – sylvinite), as well as carnallite.

In industry, potassium chloride is produced from natural raw materials special methods, called galurgy and flotation. The principle of the galurgy method is to use the different dissolution abilities of NaCl and KCl in water by heating their solution. The flotation method consists of separating crushed minerals due to their different retention at the phase interface in a liquid environment. It is also possible to isolate potassium chloride during the production of nitric acid from potassium nitrate and hydrochloric acid as a by-product.

Potassium chloride, E508 – effects on the body, harm or benefit?

Potassium chloride is introduced into the diet at medical purposes to replenish potassium deficiency in human body. Once in the stomach, potassium salt is well absorbed. In medicine, potassium chloride is used in microdoses in preparations that help strengthen the heart muscle. Dietary supplement E508 does not exhibit carcinogenic or other dangerous properties and in some cases beneficial to health.

Food additive E508, potassium chloride – use in food products

Food additive E508 is used as a stabilizer in enterprises producing powdered milk, condensed milk, cheeses, cream, canned vegetables and fruits. Potassium chloride can be found in various foods as an anti-caking agent. Also, the E508 additive is added to table salt in order to obtain a product with a reduced sodium level for dietary nutrition.

Material prepared by: Yuri Zelikovich, teacher of the Department of Geoecology and Environmental Management

Potassium chloride(potassium chloride) is today one of the most popular basic fertilizers in small private farming. The obvious reasons are the availability and speed of migration in the soil compared to others, which allows potassium chloride to promptly feed annuals during the season. But, on the other hand, the same speed of migration and the presence of chlorine ions, which are contraindicated for many garden crops, require Use potassium chloride with caution. By the way, it is possible to successfully feed plants that do not like chlorine such as potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, etc. with potassium chloride, you just need to know how and when. The purpose of this article is to explain to the gardener and amateur gardener how to properly use potassium chloride in the country and personal plot.

Types of fertilizers

Basic fertilizers are those containing one, two or all of the basic plant nutrients - nitrogen N, phosphorus P and potassium K. The first are mono-fertilizers, and those containing NP, NK, PK or NPK are complex. Additional and microfertilizers contain microelements - iron, magnesium, zinc, boron, molybdenum, copper, sulfur, etc. Any fertilizer can be ballast-free, not containing by-products and ballast. Thus, potassium chloride is the main ballast monofertilizer.

Why do plants need potassium?

Potassium, like others nutrients, absolutely necessary for plants. Plants can still survive a deficiency of additional or microelements, losing productivity or refusing to bear fruit, but a deficiency of any of the main ones leads to their death. Horticultural crops, as a rule, find the vital minimum of additional and microelements in depleted, intensively used soil, giving some or an average harvest, but the lack of any of the main ones will bring all the owner’s efforts to nothing. Therefore, in a country house or garden plot, fertilizing with basic plant nutrients should be carried out regularly.

The peculiarity of potassium is that its minimum for plants to vegetate on a starvation diet is available almost everywhere and is replenished from natural sources, which is why Russian potassium-loving farmers for a long time neglected. We can say that our summer residents “discovered” potassium relatively recently, when a dacha or a garden at home became not only a source of pickles for snacks, but also, with skillful management, a serious help in the budget. This is where it turned out that potassium has a multifaceted effect on plants (see figure on the right):

• Promotes the growth and strengthening of roots, which improves plant nutrition (gives them appetite), enhances their winter and drought resistance, as well as resistance to root pests.
• Activates the formation and growth of young shoots, incl. fruitful - hence an increase in yield. Of course, with sufficient NP and microelements.
• Increases the sugar content and “meatiness” of fruits, i.e. their taste and commercial qualities.

The obvious conclusion is that potassium is a “market” fertilizer that helps increase farm profitability. Especially in lean years, when prices for agricultural products rise. Not entirely obvious - potassium is not a panacea; its beneficial effect is felt only with complete, comprehensive nutrition of plants. Moreover, it is easier to overfeed plants with potassium than with nitrogen and phosphorus, and if signs of its excess appear (see below), it will be too late to do anything about annuals. Therefore, potassium chloride, as an easily digestible fertilizer, requires special attention.

Release forms

Chemically pure potassium chloride KCl is a colorless clear crystals(item 1 in the figure) or white powder (item 2). Its crystal lattice is cubic (item 3), like its closest chemical relative sodium chloride - ordinary table salt. And in the same way, potassium chloride is fragile and hygroscopic.

As a fertilizer, potassium chloride is sold in white and pink, loose and granular. All of them, from a reputable manufacturer, contain 58-65% active potassium ( active substance); the exact percentage is indicated on the packaging. White potassium chloride is not necessarily pure white, as in pos. 4, it can be quite gray, pos. 5. The latter, if it is from a natural deposit or electrolysis (see below), is perhaps even better - it contains trace elements in the form of impurities.

For the purposes of agricultural technology, it is more important to correctly fractionate potassium chloride: into grains, similar in shape and size to very small ones sunflower seeds, pos. 6. Such potassium chloride is sometimes called seed by analogy with fine fuel coal. It is with potassium chloride – seeds (or granulated, see below) that you can fertilize crops that do not tolerate chlorine. How – also see below. Why? The rate of dissolution of potassium chloride - seeds in soil moisture is such that chlorine quickly migrates in the soil, goes down, and potassium remains at the roots.

Note: pure white potassium chloride is best suited for foliar feeding and emergency feeding when signs of potassium starvation appear, see below, because it is more soluble and contains a minimum of ballast.

From the point of view of agricultural chemistry, pink potassium chloride is almost no different from white. It can be reddish in color from almost white to gray-brown, pos. 7-11. This is explained by the presence of natural mineral impurities, which is why the development of potassium salts looks like fantastic underground palaces, see figure:

This beauty is not suitable for crafts - it is fragile and gyroscopic. Natural impurities in potassium salts are not harmful to plants, and are often beneficial. The pink color of potassium chloride is a good indicator of its natural origin, which is why it is valued above white. Unfortunately, pink potassium chloride is often counterfeited with surrogates obtained from industrial waste, see below.

Granulate

Its granules have all the properties of potassium chloride – seeds. Granulated potassium chloride can be distinguished from ground potassium chloride under a magnifying glass: the edges and edges of its grains seem to be licked off, because granular potassium chloride is obtained from industrial waste by pressing. Industrial origin is not a defect; industrial potassium chloride can be no worse and even better than natural one. When purchasing, you only need to visually check it for harmful impurities and find out the origin of the product, see below. However, granular potassium chloride, with rare exceptions, is benign - counterfeiting it requires costs, which a petty crook does not have the means to afford.

Note: the granular form of release for sale is an indicator of the quality of potassium chloride even more reliable than the “pinkness”, which is why granulate is more expensive.

Surrogates

Potassium chloride of industrial origin can be indistinguishable in appearance from white, which is gray, or light brown pink, pos. 1 in Fig. In this case, you need, firstly, to check the specification from what type of waste it was produced; conscientious manufacturers always indicate the origin of the product. Flotation potassium chloride (from mining waste) is the cheapest, but it should only be taken from a trusted supplier. It is flotation potassium chloride that is most often counterfeited, passing off as ground sludge, which contains less active potassium than harmful impurities. However, large agricultural enterprises with established supply channels willingly and successfully use flotation potassium chloride.

Electrolysis potassium chloride is obtained from electrometallurgy waste. As a rule, there are no harmful impurities in it - already at the production stage they are smelted into slag. Electrometallurgy is a complex, well-equipped industry; electrometallurgists are responsible people, and there have been no cases of counterfeiting of electrolysis potassium chloride.

If the origin of potassium chloride is unknown, it is very necessary and there is nowhere else to get it - look at the color. Yellowness of white or redness of pink (positions 2 and 3) are signs of the presence of a large admixture of sulfur, 3-valent iron or something else, which will not do any good to you or the plants, except harm. In this case, it would be preferable to make do with a potash fertilizer at hand, for example, an infusion of wood ash.

Application

Potassium chloride is a “summer” fertilizer. Before winter, it is not applied to refill the soil; it is used for this purpose. With the use of potassium chloride, you can prepare plants for winter by adding it after harvesting, before the growing season is over, see for example. track. video.

Video: preparing plants for winter using potassium chloride

The use of potassium chloride for plant nutrition is justified in the following. circumstances:

1. For urgent foliar feeding by spraying with a 1-2% solution in the presence of signs of potassium starvation (see below) - here it’s chlorine, not chlorine, you need to save;
2. On heavy soils when filling the soil with mulch in the spring at the rate of 25-35 g per square meter. m. depending on soil fertility. Light permeable soils are filled with potassium sulfate, and potassium chloride is not recommended for filling them at all;
3. In order to prepare perennials for winter - by warmth after harvesting 10 g/sq. m on medium and heavy soils, 20 g/sq. m on the lungs. In the latter case up to 50% active substance will be lost;
4. For seasonal feeding of chlorine-tolerant vegetables and fruits - according to the rules of agricultural technology for a given species and variety. You definitely cannot quickly feed cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, all berries, legumes and salads with potassium chloride;
5. When planting “potassium gluttons” - , . The planting hole is dug 7-8 cm deeper than usual, 2-3 pinches (a third of a matchbox) of potassium chloride - seeds or granules - are added there and sprinkled with earth. While the plant develops, the chlorine will leave, and most of the potassium will remain at the roots.

Note: Refilling from autumn to winter with potassium chloride is possible on very heavy clay and loamy soils or in places with harsh winters and stable snow cover. Under other conditions, potassium will go in the same place as chlorine until spring.

Hunger strike and overfeeding

It is necessary to use potassium chloride for emergency feeding if the signs of acute potassium starvation are clearly visible on the lower old leaves:

• The leaves are shriveled, their edges are curled.
• Brown spots appear between the veins.
• In severe cases, the wrinkled edges of the leaves turn brown as a continuous border and dry out.

In case of mild potassium starvation (seedlings do not sit well in the ground, young stems are twisted, pale, tillering is weak), it is best to feed the plants with potassium magnesia. Potassium chloride often causes overfeeding of weakened plants, as if an exhausted person who had been starving for a long time suddenly overate to the point of nausea. In perennials, overfeeding with potassium is most often expressed in diseases of the roots and freezing of the buds in winter, but in annuals it is immediately visible: the stems lie down and rot at the root collar. In this case, it is possible to save at least part of the crop by immediately stopping all fertilizing, reducing watering to a minimum and removing some of the fruitful shoots with unripe fruits.

It's about unique substance, which according to all classifications acts as the marking name E508. Distinctive properties food emulsifier, its structure and features make it possible to classify the additive as industrial important elements, without which it is difficult to imagine the entire production process.

This is a compound that is created exclusively synthetically. It has gained worldwide distribution and fame in all countries. The substance is used as a strong thickener.

When adding it to food there are no adverse and allergic reactions. Therefore, the level of danger of the connection is determined as the minimum possible.

Names of the element on the world market: E 508, Potassium Chloride, potassium chloride, Kalium chloratum.

Characteristics of the physical direction

The element is whitish in color and has a crystalline structure. Odorless, excellent solubility in aquatic environments. Has a pronounced salty taste. The melting point reaches 770 degrees. Boiling occurs at a temperature of 1407 degrees. The element is inert towards alcohols and remains insoluble in them. The molecular formulation of the compound is KCl. Refers to emulsifiers, stabilizers, true substitutes, therefore it is introduced into many industries.

Method of obtaining

The element is synthetic, that is, it is obtained only in laboratory conditions if appropriate equipment and reagents are available. To obtain the additive, a chemical technique is often used: hydrochloric acid combines with potassium hydroxide. The method is based on the difference in solubility rates of raw materials when exposed to high temperatures. There is another equally common method - galurgy and flotation of natural sylvite. It lies in the difference in the properties of elements to remain on the verge of phase separation in liquid media.

The chloride element is also found in living nature. But it cannot be found in a pure element. There are minerals of carnalite and sylvite. Moreover, calcium chloride is also found in sylvinite.

Effect on the body

The element is absorbed very well and rapidly when it enters the body. In the same way, residual substances are eliminated using excretory system. The additive does not have any toxicity.

Harm to the body

The element is obtained synthetically, but this does not prevent it from remaining neutral in relation to the body. E508 does not have dangerous qualities and does not provoke adverse effects and allergic reactions. That is why it is called completely safe.

Benefit

The substance is safe, but at the same time no useful qualities does not have. It is neutral for the body. There is information according to which moderate dosages of the element can normalize acidity and restore the concentration of minerals in the body. The substance is a strong factor and activator of cytoplasmic enzymes. E508 is involved in synthesis and transport. Thanks to this elemental substance, nerve impulses are conducted more efficiently and muscle contraction is activated.

It has been proven that minimum dosages of chloride effectively dilate the blood vessels of the heart, while maximum doses constrict them. Like other potassium salts, chloride has a moderate diuretic effect.

Scope of application

The compound is indispensable in the food industry. It is widely used as a gelling agent. Additionally, E508 must be added when preparing table salt. The technique significantly reduces the content in the final product. The additive is often found in many types of bulk products. E508 prevents clumping during long-term storage.

In the food industry, the compound is often used as a stabilizer in production:

• condensed milk;
• dry dairy products (including dry cream).

IN dietary nutrition Chloride is even sometimes used as a salt substitute. The compound appears as a complete nutrient medium for yeast-like cultures.

The scope of application of the element is quite diverse. It is possible to form high-quality holograms on chloride crystals. Thus, the compound can often be found in the pharmaceutical industry. The element is added to a number of cardiac medications. It has been proven that potassium chloride effectively strengthens the heart muscle and normalizes heart rhythm. Similar drugs replenish the deficiency, remove signs of intoxication in case of overdose of diuretics and glycosides.

The additive is often used in agriculture. This is a universal, relatively cheap and effective fertilizer. Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer for the production of potassium hydroxide, potassium chloride, potassium chlorate, and potassium nitrate. IN chemical industry used to improve the electrolysis process.

In states where it is allowed death penalty, chlorides are used for injections for prisoners.

For construction purposes, with repair work In wells, the chloride element is indispensable as a strong inhibitor for drilling fluid. The isotope of the compound, due to its activity, is considered today the most convenient for testing the operation of household dosimeters.

Legislative framework

The production and use of the element is permitted throughout the world. It is completely safe and therefore can be easily used in all sectors of the economy.

Packaging, transport

The element is produced by powerful corporations in many countries around the world. Packaging is done in tightly sealed containers. The substance is transported by any means of transport, but exclusively in indoor facilities. The element is non-toxic and completely safe. Store it in closed containers. It is extremely important to prevent moisture from entering. Guaranteed shelf life - 1 year. Shelf life is not limited.

Scientists around the world are unanimous in one thing: the usefulness of a food element is many times higher than possible potential harm from its use. Therefore, the connection is considered completely secure. The element is not prohibited in industrial powers.