Question 1

Is this ferrous sulfate elemental or organic form of iron?

Accepted Answer

Strictly chemically speaking it's neither. Iron sulfate is an inorganic chemical compound. Iron (Fe) is chemically bound to a sulfate ion (SO4). Carbon, the key ingredient to anything organic is not in the picture.

But loosely speaking, if Himalayan pink salt or potassium sulfate fertilizer are considered "organic" for nutritional or agricultural labeling purposes, then so could iron sulfate. Why not? To the other side of the question, when iron sulfate reacts with other compounds, elementary iron may be freed up. The "20% iron" in the product description refers to this case.

Question 2

Is this what to use for acidifying soil that is too alkaline for azaleas, rhodies, etc? What dilution and how often should it be used?

Accepted Answer

Yes this should drop the Ph level by 1pt if 1lb is used over 100ft^2. I would personally only use about an ounce for each plant if the plant is at least 6ft from another.

Question 3

How is this different from iron sulfate or is it the same?

Accepted Answer

It is the same but there are 2 common forms of ferrous sulfate.  The heptahydrate (20% Fe) and monohydrate (30% Fe). Heptahydrate is the more common since it had better water solubility.

Question 4

Can you use this to treat raw wood decking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. It will turn the wood silvery over time, brushed or sprayed on liberally at 3 to 4 Tablespoons per gallon of water.  The people saying it doesn't work are incorrect.  NOTE:  It may stain other surfaces, so be conscious of where you are doing this.  Also, it doesn't keep once it is mixed up, so plan to dispose of any you don't use in a day.  The compound is also used to treat plants for iron deficiency, so it is not toxic to plants (or people).

Alpha Chemicals Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate - FeSO47H2O - 20% Iron - Very Soluble - 5 Pounds

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