Magazine: 515 Jul-Aug 2023

An overview of the very latest in fertilizer handling and blending, including new contracts, company news and advances in technology.

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.

Market Insight courtesy of Argus Media. Urea: There was a general price upswing for both urea and ammonium nitrate in mid-June, while ammonium sulphate and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) prices remained weak. Urea prices were pushed up in most regions as traders sought to secure cargoes across the globe – resulting in granular urea deals from the Baltic ($260-280/t f.o.b.), Egypt ($312-335/t f.o.b.), Middle East ($253-280/t f.o.b.) and China ($308-310/t f.o.b.).

Technological innovation is vital to solving the global food challenge and delivering the transition to a low-carbon economy. Pejman Djavdan, Stamicarbon’s CEO, sets out his vision for a future-proof fertilizer industry – one that will enable the sustainable intensification of agriculture while also protecting the environment.

A review of recent additions to fertilizer product portfolios and new process technologies, as innovation within the industry accelerates to decarbonise production and improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE).

Tessenderlo Kerley International recently published a tree nut crop brochure. This article draws on the brochure to highlight the importance of two essential nutrients, calcium and sulphur, as part of a balanced fertilization programme for nut crops.

Despite being an age-old industry, the phosphate sector remains vibrant and driven by a passionate commitment to leaving behind a sustainable world for future generations. Tibaut Theys, general manager of Prayon Technologies, explains how the industry, by implementing more efficient production processes and promoting responsible fertilizer usage, is working urgently to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as striving to minimise its environmental footprint.

Tree nuts are an important dietary source of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Orchards require balanced fertilization to promote healthy root growth, maintain tree vigour, and achieve yield targets in response to growing market demand. ICL agronomists Cristian Filote, Gali Carmi and Patricia Imas review their nutrient needs.

In this review article, Hatch’s Jayden Ladebruk, Lyndsay Tran, Amelia Parrenin, and Edward DeRose outline the wide range of phosphoric acid production technologies, and discuss how industry challenges are influencing the choice of phosphoric acid process.

Yara International is to build a major new speciality fertilizer and biostimulant production plant near York.