A source of iron
Used in turf culture as a moss killing agent.
Market gardeners often include this product in mixes as it enhances the green colour in plant leaves
Occasionally used as a soil acidifying agent
Can be sprayed onto marginally deficient crops as it is water soluble
Ferrous Sulphate is rarely used for correcting deficiencies. Its main application is as a moss killer. Market gardeners often include Fe in mixes as it enhances the green colour in plant leaves.
Uses
Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate is a source of iron. It is commonly used in turf culture as a moss killing agent.
Iron deficiency in pasture & crops is rare. Where there is a deficiency it is usually related to low pH and poor drainage and most deficiencies are rectified by addressing these problems rather than by addition of Iron.
It is also occasionally used as a soil acidifying agent.
Ferrous Sulphate is water soluble so it can be sprayed onto marginally deficient crops if necessary.
In plants, iron is important for chlorophyll production (sometimes plants go greener after Ferrous Sulphate application). It is required for enzymes involved in photosysnthesis and respiration.
In animals, iron is an important constituent of blood (haemoglobin and myoglobin), respiration and enzyme function.
Application rates and advice
For moss control, aim for 5g iron sulphate/m2 of turf lawn if applied as a solid product (this is equivalent to 50kg iron sulphate/ha). Alternatively, dissolve at 5g/litre of water and apply to lawns at 1 litre/m2.
Store bags in a dry place ensuring they are tightly sealed.