Magnesium Sulfate is a small colorless salt crystal compound that contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, also known as Epsom salt, with the formula MgSO4. It is highly soluble in water, and has various uses, from the treatment of seizures to beer brewing and relaxation baths. In the medicine world, it is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and is considered as one of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.
Agricultural uses of Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule, and sulfur is an important micronutrient. Together, they have a profound impact on the growth and lipid production of microalgae.
In traditional agriculture, MgSO4 is used to correct a deficiency in one or both these elements. As a fertilizer, it is most commonly applied to potted plants, or to magnesium-hungry crops, such as potatoes, roses, tomatoes, lemon trees, carrots, and peppers.
The advantage of MgSO4 over other magnesium soil amendments (such as dolomitic lime) is its high solubility. Compared with alkaline salts of magnesium, as found in limestone, MgSO4 is nearly neutral, therefore, the use of magnesium sulfate as a magnesium source does not significantly affect the pH.
The Role of Magnesium sulfate in Marine Environments
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is also used to maintain the magnesium concentration in marine aquaria which contain large amounts of stony corals, as it is slowly depleted in their calcification process. In a magnesium-deficient marine aquarium, calcium and alkalinity concentrations are very difficult to control because not enough magnesium is present to stabilize these ions in the saltwater and prevent their spontaneous precipitation into calcium carbonate.
Where to Get Magnesium Sulfate/ Epsom Salt?
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