Investigation into physical and chemical, antibacterial and antifungal properties of the air environment formed under the influence of natural potassium salts

Abstract

Russia has a huge potential for growing agricultural products. In this regard, the issue of preserving the grown crop and minimizing storage losses, which can reach 30-50%, is very relevant. Currently, there are known methods for storing agricultural crops in storage facilities with active and natural ventilation in piles, bins, containers equipped with an airing system, systems for maintaining and controlling temperature and humidity. However, these methods do not provide high safety of product laid for long-term storage. A promising direction for solving these problems is the use of the bactericidal properties of the air in contact with natural potassium salts. The Verkhnekamskoye Potassium Salt Deposit, one of the largest potash salt deposits located in Russia, contains a third of the world's reserves, which are mainly used for the production of potash fertilizers. However, the unique physical and chemical properties of natural potassium, sodium, and magnesium salts, as well as their mechanical and filtration characteristics, make it possible to significantly expand the scope of their use. In this regard, the paper describes the results of studies into the properties of the atmosphere in contact with natural potassium-magnesium salts and its effect on phytopathogens. The study of the effect of a saline-saturated atmosphere on Phytophthora infestans showed a greater dependence on the humidity of the environment and a greater degree of growth suppression in the atmosphere saturated with salt aeroions. The growth of this phytopathogen was suppressed by 39,5 % at 16% humidity, by 48,3% at 50% humidity, and by 63.1% at 85% humidity. In addition, experiments on storing potatoes in an atmosphere in contact with natural potash salts showed minimal damage to tubers by phytopathogens when using the bulk surface of potassium salt.