In a previous article, we discussed the core value of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate in aquaculture—it provides magnesium and sulfur for fish and shrimp and plays an important role in aquatic mineral nutrition systems (see link below): https://www.kelewell.de/en/post/magnesium-sulfate-heptahydrate-in-aquaculture-not-just-a-mineral-but-a-key-pillar-for-stable-produc However, if we shift our perspective from “functional minerals” back to “fundamental mineral structure,” we will

This report reviews the performance of China’s potash fertilizer, phosphate rock, and phosphate fertilizer markets in the period immediately preceding the 2026 Chinese New Year (February 5 – February 11). As the holiday approached, the market maintained a tight balance and stable operation, laying the groundwork for post-holiday spring farming activities. I. Phosphate Rock and Phosphate Fertilizers: Stable Pre-Holiday Operations, Supply Contraction Providing Support Ahead of

I. Potash Market: Tight Supply and Rising Prices Amid Strategic Standoff; Pre-Spring Ploughing Stockpiling Underway, Tight Circulation Becoming the Norm Recently, China’s domestic potash market has exhibited an unusual pattern of shrinking volumes alongside rising prices. Despite persistent market rumors suggesting policy coordination through long-term contract allocations and direct-supply releases, actual circulating volumes remain tight. Against this backdrop of reduced av

I. Forms and Availability of Phosphorus in Soil Soil phosphorus can be categorized into two major classes based on its chemical properties:  organic phosphorus  and  inorganic phosphorus . The vast majority exists in forms not readily available to plants, such as insoluble inorganic phosphates bound to iron, aluminum, and calcium, or as organic phosphorus compounds (e.g., phytates, phospholipids). Plants primarily absorb  orthophosphate ions (H₂PO₄⁻ or HPO₄²⁻)  from the soil

I. Russia: Port Expansion to Boost Mineral Fertilizer Exports by 8–12% Following the completion of the expansion at Russia’s Ust-Luga Port Favor terminal, the country’s export capacity for mineral fertilizers is expected to increase by 8–12%. The terminal is open to all fertilizer producers and offers a key advantage in handling efficiency compared with non-specialized ports. At present, Russia still lacks sufficient dedicated port infrastructure for mineral fertilizers. The

When a high-quality seaweed extract has been properly selected, the real release of its value often lies in the details of precision application. In our previous article, “ Seaweed Extracts for Agricultural Use: A Comprehensive Guide from Definition to Selection ,”  we systematically analyzed the differences in how seaweed extracts are understood and categorized. By now, it should be clear that although products may all be labeled as “seaweed extract,” differences in raw mate

A Science-Based Nutrient Strategy to Overcome Quality and Yield Challenges in Winter Tomato Production Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated and highly commercialized vegetable crops worldwide. Combining high nutritional value with stable market demand, it plays a central role in protected agriculture and off-season production systems. In relatively warm regions such as subtropical and tropical areas, winter tomato production benefits from off-season market windows and

I. The Overlooked “Soil Condition”: Why Is Fertilization Becoming Less Effective? In many agricultural regions, farmers are not lacking in fertilization experience. Decisions such as when to apply nitrogen, when to supplement potassium, or when to add micronutrients are often based on long-established practices. However, in reality, many fields show no corresponding improvement in crop performance despite increasing fertilizer inputs year after year. Instead, problems such as

In 2025, China’s fertilizer imports and exports showed a clear pattern of strong growth in export volumes and values, alongside a slight decline in imports. Urea exports recorded particularly sharp growth, while phosphate fertilizer exports continued to contract. Domestic policy priorities focused on securing internal supply had a profound impact on the global phosphate fertilizer market structure. Looking ahead to 2026, the global phosphate fertilizer supply outlook is broad

I. Why Is Magnesium Essential in Aquaculture? In aquaculture practice, many production problems do not originate directly from diseases, but from more fundamental and often overlooked factors—imbalances in waterborne minerals. Issues such as failed molting in crustaceans, increased mortality after stress events, unstable water quality, and disrupted algal communities are frequently linked to deficiencies or improper ratios of basic ions such as magnesium in the culture water.

From December 26, 2025 to January 9, 2026, China’s domestic fertilizer market operated around the core theme of “price stability and supply assurance for phosphate fertilizers.” On the raw material side, clear divergence was observed: phosphate rock remained largely stable, sulfur fluctuated at high levels, while sulfuric acid and synthetic ammonia stayed broadly stable. The potash market continued to operate under a tight supply–demand balance, with prices holding firm at el

In agricultural production, potassium nitrate stands out as a key fertilizer for fruit enlargement, quality improvement, stress resistance, and yield enhancement due to its unique dual supply of nitrogen and potassium. It provides crops with readily available nitrate nitrogen, promoting photosynthate formation and nutrient transport, while also supplying potassium, which enhances cellular structural stability and improves overall resistance to lodging, environmental stress, a

Recently, the international fertilizer market has shown clear characteristics of concentrated demand release supported by government subsidy policies. Countries including India, Indonesia, and Nepal have actively advanced fertilizer tenders and procurement programs, while Pakistan recorded record-high fertilizer sales. Against this backdrop, China’s potash market concluded 2025 at elevated but stable levels, and entered 2026 with continued firmness. Potassium chloride prices

By late December, China’s fertilizer market has exhibited clear structural characteristics. On the raw material side, sulfur shows a pattern of domestic price pullback alongside high-level volatility in imported material, while phosphate rock, sulfuric acid, and synthetic ammonia remain broadly stable. The phosphate fertilizer market continues to implement policy-driven supply assurance and price stabilization, with prices remaining steady despite rising cost pressure. The po

As modern agriculture places increasing emphasis on crop health and quality, nutrient imbalance has become a central concern in crop management. Among various nutritional disorders, iron chlorosis is one of the most widespread and impactful problems affecting a wide range of crops, directly constraining growth, yield, and quality. Among the available iron supplementation solutions, EDDHA-Fe, as a highly stable chelated iron fertilizer, has gradually emerged as a preferred opt

Among the 17 essential nutrients required by plants, magnesium occupies a uniquely critical position . It is not only the only metallic element in the chlorophyll molecule , but also a key activator of plant energy metabolism . For modern agriculture—especially the cultivation of high-value cash crops—understanding the fundamental role of magnesium and mastering its efficient supplementation strategies is indispensable for achieving both high yield and premium quality. The Fi

From January to November 2025, China’s fertilizer imports and exports showed a clear pattern of rising export volumes and prices alongside a slight decline in imports. Toward year-end (mid-December), the market centered on three main themes: policy-driven price stability and supply assurance for phosphate fertilizers, supply–demand tug-of-war in the potash market, and policy regulation of upstream raw materials. Phosphate rock, sulfur, and sulfuric acid exhibited divergent tr

Many tomato growers have experienced this common challenge: abundant flowering during the blooming stage, yet after a cold snap or strong wind, flowers drop heavily, resulting in poor fruit set. Even when fruits do set, misshapen or undersized fruits are frequent, significantly reducing yield and market quality. In fact, the flowering stage is the critical window that determines final tomato yield. During this period, plant demand for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) rises sh

In agricultural production, phosphate fertilizers are essential to crop growth and development. What many may not realize is that the starting point of most common phosphate fertilizers is often a pale yellow, brittle crystal or powder — sulfur . With a global annual output of approximately 70 million tons , around 80% of sulfur supply comes as a byproduct of petroleum refining and natural gas processing , making it deeply intertwined with the global energy landscape. Sulfur

In early December 2025, China’s fertilizer market entered a critical phase characterized by across-the-board cost increases and a continued tight supply–demand balance. Rising prices of raw materials such as sulfur and sulfuric acid have pushed up costs for phosphate fertilizers and potassium sulfate. Meanwhile, the potash market remains firm at high levels, supported by concentrated supply and rigid winter stocking demand.In the international market, a pattern of strong dem