What Does Epsom Salt Do for the Roots on My Plants?

Components

• Epsom salts is hydrated magnesium sulfate containing 10 percent magnesium and 13 percent sulfur. Magnesium is usually added to soils along with dolomite lime in order to raise the pH level of acidic soils. Sulfur is generally not required in soils that are fertilized with animal manures and chemical fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate. Both nutrients are important for root health.

Magnesium's Effects on Roots

• Magnesium is one of the three secondary macronutrients required for healthy root and plant growth. The nutrient is an essential component of chlorophyll in the plants and is absorbed through the roots to help with photosynthesis. The presence of magnesium in roots triggers the plant to produce enzymes that are important for healthy growth. Magnesium improves the nutrient absorption capacity of roots and increases the nitrogen-fixing capacity in legumes that have special nodes on the roots for nitrogen fixation.

Sulfur's Effects on Roots

• Sulfur is also one of the three secondary macronutrients essential for healthy plants. The nutrient improves root health and leads to good seed production and chlorophyll in plants. Healthy roots increase a plant's resistance to cold and produce vigorous growth. Sulfur also aids with the production and activity of vitamins and enzymes in plants. Sulfur absorbed through roots is an important food required by plants for the production of proteins.

Application Method

• The usual application method of Epsom salts is in the form of a liquid fertilizer either to the soil or as a spray on the plants. To prepare fertilizer, dissolve one-quarter cup of Epsom salts in one gallon of water. This is sufficient for fertilizing about 1,000 square feet of landscape space, as suggested by Jeff Gillman and Michael A. Dirr in "The Truth About Garden Remedies." You can also apply Epsom salt in the dry form to soil by using a quarter to a half cup of the material around plant base.