Nearly 400 million tonnes of soybean are harvested globally every year and processed to yield oil and meal, a major source of animal protein. Its cultivation in Brazil, the US and other countries requires large applications of potash and phosphate. Growers are, however, increasingly turning to biostimulants and micronutrients such as boron to achieve incremental yield gains.
California-based biologicals company BioConsortia is launching the nitrogen-fixing product Always N for 2025 season sales in New Zealand with its partner Mosaic. The product, which is based on robust, spore-forming, gram-positive microbes (Paenibacillus ) fixes atmospheric nitrogen throughout the growing season by colonising the roots of corn, wheat and potatoes, as well as fruits and vegetables. Always N delivers consistent yield gains and is backed by data from more than 300 trials in Brazil, New Zealand, the US and Europe. Fertilizer International spoke with Marcus Meadows-Smith, the company’s CEO, ahead of the Fertilizer Latino Americano 2025 conference.
The International Fertilizer Association’s annual Global Markets Conference is an in-depth event for those tracking the market. This year’s two-day gathering in London in July lived up to its billing as a meeting of curious minds (Fertilizer International 521, p4).
Ronald Clemens , ICL’s Marketing & Portfolio Manager CRF, talks to Fertilizer International about the role of controlled-release fertilizers in sustainable agriculture.
The last year has seen the first shipments of low-carbon ‘green’ fertilizers from companies such as Yara, Fertiberia, OCI and Sabic Agri-Nutrients. Partnerships with food manufacturers and retailers are helping to grow this emerging market and drive demand.
OCP Group and Fortescue subsidiary Fortescue Energy have announced a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to supply green hydrogen, ammonia and fertilizers to Morocco, Europe and international markets.
The 22nd New AG International Annual event is taking place at the Estrel Congress Centre, Berlin, Germany, 9-11 April 2024. Fertilizer International is delighted to be supporting the conference as media partner for the first time.
Biostimulants are emerging as mainstream products with major fertilizer producers – including Yara, Mosaic, Fertiberia and ICL – launching their own biostimulant lines and expanding production capabilities. Smaller innovative companies, meanwhile, such as Azotic and Fyteko, remain the mainstays of the sector and are continuing to being new products to market. Other players such as Den Nouden/GrowSolutions are targeting the expansion of organic fertilizers.
There is growing acceptance and integration of biostimulants into the wider fertilizer and agricultural markets. This is illustrated by rocketing sales, the spate of new product launches, and merger and acquisition activity.
Yara International is to build a major new speciality fertilizer and biostimulant production plant near York.