Application of Chlorine

Chloride, like nitrate, is susceptible to loss from soil by leaching in areas of high rainfall (62,73). Management practices that minimize chloride leaching will enhance chloride accumulation by crops. When crops with high chloride requirements are grown, the application of chloride in the spring or close to the time of plant growth should enhance chloride accumulation. Owing to the potential for salt injury, it is safer to broadcast chloride fertilizers than to apply them as a band.