Copper sulfate: application against the fungus in gardening and at home

In gardening, in everyday life, in construction and in folk medicine, copper sulphate is often used. Application against the fungus is one of the most popular methods of its use and therefore deserves special attention.

Blue stone

This is also called this substance, which is a crystalline powder of azure-blue color without a smell. This is copper sulfate, which easily decomposes from high temperatures, forming sulfur dioxide, cuprum oxide and oxygen. It dissolves well in water and quickly disappears in the air. In nature it occurs in the form of a little-known mineral called chalcantite.

Copper vitriol in horticulture

This substance is very important for the control of fungal diseases. In addition, copper sulfate is used for the preparation of solutions for the treatment of vegetable storage walls, garden crops against scab and lichens, as fertilizer, healing of wounds on bushes and trees, as well as for controlling insect pests.

Almost a rare gardener does without such an irreplaceable in this economic activity means, like copper sulfate. The use of agents prepared from this substance against plants fungus allows obtaining a good result without harm to the environment and human health.

To get rid of some species of fungi, hibernating in open areas of plants, the first treatment of fruit trees and shrubs is recommended to be carried out in early spring, before the appearance of leaves.

In summer, copper sulfate is mainly used to treat the root system of seedlings, keeping it in solution for five minutes and rinsing thoroughly afterwards with water. You can spray plants in the case of the appearance of the first signs of fungal diseases.

Preparation of solutions

For whitewashing of tree trunks and treatment of wounds, disinfection of the hollows is carried out with diluted copper sulphate. With the aim of preventing scab, septoria, a 5% solution of copper sulfate is needed. Against gray rot, moss and lichens, a preparation is prepared in which 30 g of substance per 1 liter of water is used.

Great popularity among gardeners was won by the so-called Bordeaux liquid, which is based on copper vitriol, discovered by the French botanist at the beginning of the last century. The use against the fungus has made this remedy one of the most sought-after. For its preparation, copper sulphate, hydrated lime (100 and 200 grams, respectively) and 2 buckets (not iron ones) are required. In one of the buckets in a liter of water dissolve copper sulfate, in the other - in five liters of slaked lime. Filter both solutions through the cheesecloth, then dilute the copper sulfate, topping it with water to five liters, and pour a thin trickle into a bucket of slaked lime.

Copper vitriol in the fight against mold

This is one of the most accessible and effective tools for this type of fungal formations. Where high humidity and no air circulation, very often there is mold on food products, on walls and foundation of buildings. The spores generated by this fungus are also dangerous because they can cause allergic diseases.

In addition to mechanical destruction of mold and the use of various folk remedies, copper sulfate is also highly effective. Application against the fungus on the walls requires some preparatory work.

First you need to remove all coverings affected by mold (wallpaper, paint, plaster, etc.). The room should be well ventilated and dried, after which the walls should be treated with a solution based on copper sulfate at a rate of 20 grams per liter of water. It is most convenient to use a spray for this. When the surface of the wall dries, the procedure must be repeated.

It is desirable to additionally use also building mixtures containing antifungal additives. Copper vitriol, an application against the fungus which, although effective, does not affect all their species.

Other useful properties

Copper sulphate is used in horticulture not only to combat fungal diseases of plants, but also as an insecticide, protecting plantings from insect pests. Timely processing of plants allows to destroy up to 50% of eggs and larvae. In the central part of Russia it is recommended to hold it in the second decade of April.

The leading position among materials for construction is timber. But the big problem is the susceptibility to its rotting. Here again copper sulphate will come to the rescue. The use of compounds with this substance against wood fungus is caused not only by the effectiveness against decay, but also by the availability of copper sulfate, as well as by the safety for humans and animals. In addition, unlike other means, this treatment does not lead to a change in the color of the tree and the appearance of unpleasant odors.

In any home, the bathroom is the place most susceptible to fungal damage due to high humidity and poor air circulation. This threatens with the fact that disputes can spread all over the apartment, threatening other premises and furniture.

With the appearance of black spots on the walls, copper sulfate will successfully cope. The use of any industrial products against the fungus in the bathroom can often cause allergies, so folk remedies always have their advantages. The mortar of vitriol is wiped not only the areas affected by the fungus, but also the adjacent surface. After several hours, all walls are thoroughly washed with clean water.

Security measures

Copper sulfate is a toxic substance, so when working with it, you should be extra careful. In no case can you prepare solutions in food utensils. After work, you need to wash your hands and face thoroughly and rinse your mouth. Apply the solution only with a brush, be sure to wear protective gloves.

Despite the high toxicity, which has copper sulfate, the application against the fungus will be more effective with repeated treatment.