Applying dissolved fertilizers via micro-irrigation systems or leaf sprayers offers commercial fruit and vegetable growers clear-cut gains – in terms of input costs, nutrient use efficiency, labour, time and energy.
New research findings strongly suggest that iodine behaves as a plant nutrient. SQM International has been quick to follow up on this discovery by launching a new speciality iodine fertilizer for fertigated crops.
Liquid fertilizers are emerging as a high growth, multibillion dollar market. Their growing use is linked to trends such as no-till farming and the greater adoption of precision agriculture. Leading producers and products are highlighted.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has turned the sulphur market on its head, potentially removing several million tonnes of supply from Russia and Kazakhstan and sending prices skyrocketing.
The delivery of nitrogen in nitrate form can deliver superior yields and quality in arable, fruit and vegetable crops. Because of this, production and consumption of the principal nitrate fertilizers – ammonium nitrate (AN), calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), potassium nitrate (NOP) and calcium nitrate (CN) – continue to grow.
Potassium nitrate is an efficient speciality fertilizer, being able to produce more for less. Whether applied to soils, via fertigation or through foliar application, it improves water use efficiency while boosting the uptake of potassium and other nutrients. Katja Hora and Harmen Tjalling Holwerda of SQM International highlight the main advantages of supplying potassium nitrate to crops.
We profile a selection of the leading players in India’s large and dynamic domestic fertilizer industry.
Latin America has confirmed its status as a pre-eminent global marketplace for fertilizers. We report on demand growth and fertilizer supply and capacity developments within this diverse region.
The global market for potassium sulphate is on the rise. It has become the preferred potassium fertilizer for many chloride-sensitive, high-value cash crops. This speciality potash product also commands a price premium.
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) occupy a small but high-value segment of the overall fertilizer market, although their production and use is accelerating. This trend is unsurprising given that their higher costs are usually more than offset by better efficiency and lower application rates.