Can You Use Sodium Bisulfate for Plants?

Sodium Bisulfate

• Sodium bisulfate is a dry acid. When mixed with water, it forms a weak liquid acid. Swallowing more than a tablespoon of the chemical may induce diarrhea, vomiting, severe low blood pressure and a burning sensation in the mouth. Sodium bisulfate appears in some household products, such as drainer and toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers. The commercial poultry industry also uses sodium bisulfate as a litter treatment in place of ammonia, which produces negative effects in animals.

Aquatic Plants

• According to horticulturist Emily Nolting, sodium bisulfate can be used as a treatment for aquatic plants. When added to pond water, sodium bisulfate lowers the pH of the water. Aquatic plants and animals require certain pH levels in water -- ideally 6.8 to 8.2 -- to maintain optimal health. Never add sodium bisulfate without first checking the appropriate levels for the size of your pond. For example, a 100-gallon pond requires 0.15 ounce of sodium bisulfate to lower the pH with fish and amphibians present and 0.75 ounce without aquatic animals in the water.

Applying Sodium Bisulfate to Plants

• Other than lowering the pH of water, there is no reason to apply sodium bisulfate to plants. While no scientific literature suggests seriously harmful effects from applying the chemical to plants, sodium bisulfate constitutes a potentially hazardous acid. Numerous plant species have shown damage and stress when grown in acidic environments and can even die in overly acidic soil. Never use any household product that contains sodium bisulfate on a plant. Manufacturers design household cleaning products to kill germs, not nourish growth. If you want to use sodium bisulfate in a specific application with plants, consult your local university extension before doing so.

Sodium Bisulfite

• Sodium bisulfite constitutes a chemical compound very different from sodium bisulfate, despite their similar names. Various sources, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agriculture, recommend using a mixture of 2 tablespoons of sodium bisulfite and a gallon of water to create a solution for drying fruits and vegetables. Submerge fruits or vegetables in the solution for five to 10 minutes before beginning the drying process. Do not rinse the mixture from the fruits or vegetables.