The effects of increasingly dry periods are becoming more and more serious. Drought stress in viticulture and orchards is increasing. Tests have shown that a sufficient supply of potassium plays a key role in combating drought stress. Lithos® Rappid-K is a highly effective liquid fertiliser specially developed for fruit and wine growing.
The importance of potassium in viticulture and orcharding
Potassium plays a crucial role in plant physiology. It is essential for water uptake and water transport within the plant. A sufficient supply of potassium in the plant ensures a high osmotic pressure. This increases the suction from the leaves to the roots. The plant can absorb more water for much longer.
Central metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and the synthesis of proteins are also largely dependent on the availability of potassium.
An important building block for the success of your harvest. But potassium is not easy for plants to obtain.
The results of long-term research into potassium fertilisation show:
- Potassium is accumulated very slowly in the soil
- The effects of fertilisation on the potassium content in leaves and must may be delayed
- Potassium is difficult to obtain in areas with a high proportion of rock or heavy soils
The foliar application of Lithos® Rappid-K provides potassium and phosphorus in a highly plant-available form. A decisive advantage when time is of the essence.
Phosphorus strengthens vine and root
Phosphorus is also an important element for plant growth.
This vital nutrient promotes energy supply through ATP formation and is essential for cell division. It strengthens root development and improves flower formation and fruit ripening, which leads directly to higher yields and better fruit quality.
As phosphorus is also relatively immobile in the soil, it must be available near the root zones so that the plants can absorb it at all. Soil properties also influence phosphorus uptake - the higher the pH value in the soil, the more difficult it is to absorb phosphorus. A neutral soil pH, on the other hand, would be optimal. The temperature of the soil also plays an important role: at soil temperatures below 12° C, phosphorus uptake no longer works well. When fertilising with Lithos® Rappid-K, it is therefore important to ensure that the soil temperature is above 12° C.
Recognise deficiency symptoms early and prevent diseases with Lithos® Rappid-K
Potassium deficiency leads to wilted grapes and symptoms similar to those caused by frost and drought. Stunted growth, delayed ripening, poor root development and undersupply of the plant are the consequences if no action is taken against the deficiency. This leads to considerable crop losses. This can be corrected by targeted potassium fertilisation with Lithos® Rappid-K.
Phosphorus deficiency in vineyards and orchards is characterised by delayed growth, dark green to bluish leaf colouration and reduced root development, which leads to lower yields and poorer fruit quality. Typical symptoms also include purple-coloured leaves and stems, premature leaf senescence and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Timely diagnosis and correction of phosphorus deficiency is crucial to ensure the health of vines and fruit trees and to optimise the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Lithos® Rappid-K works quickly and reliably
Productivity is no coincidence. With Lithos® Rappid-K, you can not only strengthen resistance to drought stress, but also significantly improve their yield potential and fruit quality.
Immediate energy boost: By releasing energy from polyphosphates, Lithos® Rappid-K supports vigorous root growth and fruit quality, especially after periods of stress such as drought or extreme temperatures.
Optimum nutrient supply: It provides plants with highly available phosphorus and potassium, essential for ATP synthesis and plant metabolism. These nutrients are critical for supporting osmotic pressure, enzyme activation and general stress management.
Improving resilience and productivity: Lithos® Rappid-K strengthens plants in crucial growth phases. The plants become more resistant to weather extremes caused by climate change.
As fertilisers, polyphosphates act like a long-term depot. Phosphorus is released in a controlled manner and as required. The plants are thus supplied throughout the entire growth period. Foliar application enables the phosphorus to be absorbed quickly and directly. This saves time and energy.
Application recommendation:
- For optimum results, use Lithos® Rappid-K from established leaf growth and further to support fruit development.
- In stressful conditions, use immediately to minimise the negative effects.
- Use after the harvest to strengthen winter hardiness and to promote phosphorus storage.
Application rates in orchards and vineyards:
- max. 5 litres of Lithos® Rappid-K per ha (dosage: 500 ml Lithos® Rappid-K per 100 litres of water) - application is recommended for at least 750 litres of water
- 2-3 applications at intervals of 10 - 14 days, maximum 4 applications
- Application by means of drip irrigation is possible in the same mixing ratio as for foliar application
Trials prove Lithos® Rappid-K increases plant health and harvest
Field trials with Lithos® Rappid-K in vineyards and orchards show that this specially formulated fertiliser contributes significantly to overcoming drought stress and promoting vigorous growth.
In viticulture, the resistance to drought conditions and the yield in particular were improved. An increase in yield of 18% and 38% respectively was achieved compared to the control groups.
In orchards, root and plant growth was strengthened, resulting in improved overall vitality of the nectarine trees.
Lithos® Rappid-K can demonstrably increase plant health and productivity.
Secure your yields - from flowering to harvest
Growing vines and fruit is like running a marathon - it's a season of endurance, not just a short race. From flowering to harvest, each stage of a plant's growth cycle is like a gruelling stage in a marathon.
As a winegrower or orchardist, you are the trainer who coaches your athletes - the plants - throughout the season. Lithos® Rappid-K provides your plants with the energy and essential nutrients they need to efficiently master the various growth phases.
Supply your plants regularly with Lithos® Rappid-K to ensure that they are not only in top form at the end of the "marathon" harvest, but are also ideally prepared for the next growing season.
Maximise their performance and quality. For a harvest of the highest quality.