In the following chart, the relative salt index is compared with those of several fertilizer materials. The salt index of K-Mag is relatively low. Both products are totally water-soluble, typically have less than two percent chloride, do not affect the soil pH and are blend sized. K-Mag Granular is a natural crystalline mineral which has an SGN of 240 and a UI of 30. K-Mag Premium is a very uniform sized granulated product with an SGN of 247 and a UI of 45.
Many crops have a low tolerance of high chlorides in the soil and in fertilizers.
Sensitive crops, such as tobacco and many fruits and vegetables, have lower quality and shorter shelf life when excessive chloride is present. Using K-Mag, especially when high rates of potassium are required, provides a low chloride source of potassium. In many cases, the quality of the fruit and vegetables are enhanced, while tobacco has a much higher quality cured leaf. K-Mag is a neutral salt and does not affect the soil pH, regardless of the amount applied. Many fertilizer materials do contribute to the acidity of the soil.