herculis 030406

[jerriatrik]

The answer to 19d is obviously POTASH but this a trivial or archaic name for potassium carbonate. As far as I am aware the hydroxides of alkali metals and that of potassium in particular have no use in agriculture. Just puzzled thats all!

[hobbitess]

Used in fertilizers

[jerriatrik]

Hobbitess

No, it is potassium sulphate or one of the potassium phosphates that is used in fertilisers.

Jerriatrik

[Argee]

On my packet of Phostrogen tomato food it says "Uniquely balanced high potash formula to ensure the maximum yield" and I always thought plants needed high potash for fruit and flowers. According to Chambers potash is "a powerful alkali, potassium carbonate .... etc".

[jerriatrik]

the term Potash is frequently and traditionally used incorrectly. Many fertiliser manufacturers use this term inadvertently or intentionally in order to reassure their customers of the 'Potassium content'. But my point is: as the dictionary says, Potash is the carbonate of an alkali metal. and not a hydroxide.

I use Phostrogen for my tomatoes too!

[Argee]

Thanks jerriatrik, I bow to your superior scientific knowledge! You cannot always trust these crossword setters, especially in the Telegraph!

Hope you have a good crop of tomatoes this year, in spite of the forecasted drought. Actually the rain is standing in puddles on my garden at the moment. But then, I am in Lancashire.