Copper Sulfate in Organic Agriculture
Much as the name predicts, copper sulfate (CuSO4)2 is an inorganic compound of copper and sulfate. This useful chemical stocked by industrial ingredient supplier Bell Chem is renowned for its use in pesticides, bactericides, and fungicides.
What is Copper Sulfate?
Copper sulfate has a litany of common names, such as basic copper sulfate (BSC), BSC copper fungicide, CP basic sulfate, and tribasic copper sulfate. In its stone (pentahydrate) form, it carries the monikers of blue vitriol or blue stone because of its vibrant color. Chemically it is copper (II) sulfate or copper (II) tetraoxosulphate, depending on its chemical form.
Benefits of Copper Sulfate in Agriculture
Copper sulfate has long been recognized as an agricultural aid to deter the growth of bacteria and fungus, primarily on fruits and vegetables. Copper sulfate binds to and denatures the proteins of algae and fungi to the point of cell death. Tropical and subtropical climates often experience snail and slug damage to crops. The application of copper sulfate as snail bait prevents these animals from damaging crops.
Varying dosages of copper sulfate also control unwanted plant growth, and destroy roots of invasive plants. A Bordeaux mixture combines lime and water (calcium hydroxide) and copper sulfate. When applied to seeds before planting, this mixture prevents fungal infestation. Added to the soil, Bordeaux enriches soil and stimulates plant growth.
Uses in Organic Agriculture
Knowing this, how does copper sulfate tie into organic agriculture? According to Brian Baker of the Organic Materials Research Institute, most chemicals found naturally occurring (not synthetically manufactured) are acceptable for organic farming and agriculture. In fact, used separately, sulfur and copper are the two top disease-control chemicals for organic crops. To be deemed organic, no accumulation of copper must exist in the soil; it must be taken up by the plants it protects.
Diving deeper, organic agriculture is on the rise since its “rebirth” in England approximately 100 years ago after the industrial revolution commercialized pesticides and herbicides. This created powerful products that, unbeknownst to most farmers at the time, negatively impacted plants, soil, and the health of those consuming the products.
Organic farming focuses on soil management, weed control, and pest eradication. This method is more than farming without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic farmers use techniques recognized centuries ago as helpful to crop growth: crop rotation, soil amending, planting cover crops, mixing farms with livestock for natural fertilization and pest control, and focusing research on the biological health of farmland.
Bell Chem’s inventory includes an abundance of natural and organic additives and chemicals for agriculture and beyond.
Bell Chem is an industrial ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including copper sulfate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.