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.
Sulphur is becoming an increasingly vital crop nutrient, due to a combination of lower sulphur deposition from the atmosphere, the increasing prevalence of high-analysis fertilizers and higher cropping intensity.
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.
The precision mixing and granulation of mineral and organic fertilizer ingredients are essential to meet growing market demand for high-value, complex crop fertilizers. Furthermore, the ability to mix and granulate in a single machine offers fertilizer manufacturers both operational and product quality advantages over traditional granulation methods.
We profile leading suppliers of tailor-made pumps and pipes to the phosphates and sulphur industries.
Erosion and corrosion are two of the biggest challenges faced by equipment used in phosphate fertilizer production. This harsh operating environment requires exceptionally well-designed pumps made from sophisticated and robust construction materials. Hani Tello of ITT Rheinhütte and Harvinder Bhabra of ITT Goulds Pumps outline the range of options.
Mexico supplies more than half of the international avocado market. This oil-rich, nutritious fruit is also widely grown in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Peru. We look at the nutrient needs of this regionally-important cash crop.
Sulphur is becoming an increasingly vital crop nutrient – due to a combination of lower sulphur deposition from the atmosphere, the increasing prevalence of high-analysis fertilizers and higher cropping intensity.
Newly developed flotation reagents are improving the selectivity and grade/recovery of phosphate and potash concentrates.
The consistency and integrity of fertilizer granules are key when producing a high-quality product for crop nutrition. Granulation aids help achieve this by increasing crush strength, improving size distribution and reducing recycling volumes during manufacturing. Christina Konecki of Arkema-ArrMaz outlines how their performance can be properly evaluated.