Molasses is a dark brown, thick syrup, with a weak alkaline region. It is formed as a by-product during sugar production. It is a product with a content of about 40% sucrose, a rich source of iron and minerals.
When molasses is added to organic fertilizers, it provides food for the healthy microbes in the soil. The greater amount of microbial activity in the soil, the healthier plants will be.
Content of the basic constituents of cane molasses:
- water – 20%
- dry substance – 80%, including:
- sacrose – 38.4%
- other compounds – 41.6%, including:
- reducing sugars – 20%
- refinery – 1.6%
- carbonate ash – 7.5%
- 3.0%azot-free acids
- amino acids – 1.0%
- nitrogenous compounds (total) – 0.5%.
The composition of molasses and its consistency depend on:
- the quality and chemical composition of the raw material from which it is obtained,
- technological process – the method of processing,
- storage conditions.
Mineral content of molasses:
- potassium oxide – 4.69% – 5.5%
- sodium oxide – 0.75% – 0.8%
- calcium oxide – 0.22% – 0.25%
- magnesium oxide – 0.03% – 0.04%
- iron oxide (III) – 0.03%
- carbon dioxide – 2.33% – 2.6%
- phosphorus oxide (V) – 0.05% – 0.06%.
