Advanced Fertilization
As the global population increases, farmers worldwide are continually challenged by the constant need to increase yields, climate change, and environmental initiatives and regulatory changes. Land degradation on one hand and new regulations (such as the EU Nitrate Directive and China’s policy of Zero Nutrient Use Growth from 2020) on the other are increasing the challenge of feeding the growing world population. This increases the need for efficient farming techniques.
Mineral fertilizers are responsible for over half of the world’s food production.
To facilitate increased crop yields on existing agricultural land, it is important to promote the correct use of fertilizers. ICL does this through engagement, education and sharing information about effective and sustainable fertilization methods.
For this purpose, ICL has instituted a customer instruction and training program worldwide to promote safe and intelligent use of fertilizers. ICL agronomists engage and train farmers on effective and balanced fertilization practices. This includes the application of plant nutrients in optimum ratios and in adequate amounts to achieve better yields and better quality, while maintaining soil fertility for future generations and preventing the conversion of nature to agricultural land.
Essential Nutrients
Potassium (K), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) are the three essential nutrients required for plant growth. Although these three nutrients are present in the soil, the continued use of soil for agricultural cultivation depletes the concentration of these fundamental elements. Over time, this can result in a decline in crop yields and create the need to replenish nutrients through the use of fertilizers.
Each of the three nutrients plays a different role in plant development. Without these nutrients, crops cannot achieve their growth potential. Potassium increases the yield and quality of agricultural produce, improves plant resistance to diseases and pests, increases the plant’s tolerance to drought and cold, contributes to the development of a strong and healthy root system, and improves the durability of agricultural produce in storage and transportation. The uniqueness of potassium is that it increases the efficiency of use of nitrogen and other nutrients. Therefore, the use of potassium results in better utilization of nitrogen fertilizer and prevents it from leaching to groundwater or volatilizing.
There are currently no artificial substitutes for phosphorus and potassium. These are the nutrients that are the basis of ICL’s supply chain and that are mined in ICL mines worldwide.
Water Conservation & Soil Conditioning Products
A recent innovative technology has been added to ICL’s product portfolio. The H2Flo product line consists of water conservation products that are used to optimize quality and to retain water in the root zone. It allows better water availability around the root zone of crops and turf.
Agriculture is by far the largest consumer of the Earth’s available freshwater.
