Granulated Potassium Nitrate - Engineered to Prevent Caking

Potassium nitrate is a widely used binary compound fertilizer in agriculture, containing approximately 13% nitrogen (N) and 46% potassium oxide (K₂O). It combines the functions of both nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, offering a balanced nutrient profile and excellent water solubility, allowing rapid uptake by crop roots. It is chloride-free, making it especially suitable for chloride-sensitive crops such as tobacco, potatoes, and citrus. Potassium nitrate effectively improves fruit sweetness, coloration, and overall market quality, while enhancing drought tolerance and lodging resistance.

For a more detailed introduction to potassium nitrate, please refer to the article below:https://www.kelewell.de/en/post/potassium-nitrate-kno-essential-for-crops-and-industrial-innovation

Crystalline potassium nitrate inevitably faces caking issues during long-distance transportation. Many companies have attempted various anti-caking agents, but long-term results have generally been unsatisfactory.

In addition to powder/crystalline forms, granulated potassium nitrate is available as a high-efficiency controlled-release nitrogen–potassium fertilizer. It features 100% water solubility, strong anti-caking performance, no residue, and stable, long-lasting nutrient release. Its smoother surface and lower porosity reduce contact points between granules and minimize moisture adsorption sites, thereby significantly lowering the risk of caking. Designed for modern precision agriculture, horticulture, and high-value crops, it meets balanced nitrogen and potassium requirements throughout the entire growth cycle, especially for crops sensitive to chloride and with high potassium demand.

Specification

• Appearance: White prill

• Purity: 99%

• Nitrogen (N): 13.5% min

• Potassium Oxide (K₂O): 46% min

• Water Insoluble: 0.1% max

• Chloride: 0.2% max

• Moisture: 0.1% max

• Particle Size (2–4 mm): 90% min

Key Features and Advantages of Granulated Potassium Nitrate

1. Controlled and sustained nutrient release

   Utilizing a dual mechanism of physical coating and chemical bonding, the nutrient release curve closely matches crop nutrient demand:

   • Long-lasting supply: A single application provides nutrients for a longer period than crystalline products.

   • Stable release: Less affected by temperature and moisture, maintaining a consistent release rate across different soil conditions.

     
     

2. Excellent anti-caking performance

   Powdered potassium nitrate is highly hygroscopic and prone to caking, whereas the granular form offers superior resistance to caking, making storage and transportation easier.

   
   

3. 100% water soluble, residue-free

   • Fully dissolves in water with no insoluble matter.

   • Suitable for all irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, micro-irrigation).

   • No residue, no clogging of emitters or nozzles, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

   • High potassium content: Meets key requirements for fruit enlargement, coloration, sweetness, and stress resistance.

   • Flexible application methods: Suitable for basal application, topdressing, fertigation, drip irrigation, and foliar spraying.

   • Neutral, chloride-free formulation, safe for chloride-sensitive crops.

     
     

Comparison: Powdered vs. Granulated Potassium Nitrate

Aspect	Powdered Potassium Nitrate	Granulated Potassium Nitrate
Physical form	Fine particle size, fast dissolution; higher hygroscopicity, prone to caking during long-term storage	Uniform granules (typically 1–4 mm), slightly slower dissolution; excellent anti-caking, easier storage and transport
Application methods	Ideal for fertigation, drip irrigation, flushing; dissolves rapidly; easily lost or drifted when broadcast	Suitable for broadcasting, basal and spot application; less drift, more gradual nutrient release; can also be dissolved for fertigation with longer stirring time
Application scenarios	Quick-acting topdressing during rapid growth stages; suitable for greenhouse and precision systems	Basal or topdressing for field crops; suitable for mechanized fertilization in large-scale farming
Nutrient use efficiency	Rapid dissolution and uptake, but higher loss when broadcast	Stable granules dissolve gradually with rain or irrigation, lower nutrient loss, more consistent efficiency
Cost & processing	Simple processing, relatively lower cost	Requires granulation (extrusion or spray granulation); slightly higher production cost

Applicable Crops

• Cash crops / fruit trees: Citrus, grapes, apples, strawberries, kiwifruit, mango

• Vegetables: Tomato, cucumber, pepper, eggplant, leafy vegetables

• Specialty crops: Tobacco, tea, flowers, medicinal plants

• Field crops: Cotton, potato, sugarcane, maize and other potassium-demanding crops

Application Methods and Recommended Rates

1. Application methods

• Basal application: Broadcast evenly during land preparation and incorporate into soil.

• Topdressing: Apply in furrows or holes and cover with soil; recommended depth 10–15 cm.

• Fertigation / drip irrigation: Dissolve in water and apply through the irrigation system.

• Foliar spraying: Dilute 800–1000 times; avoid high temperature and strong sunlight.

2. Recommended application rates (adjust according to crop and conditions)

Crop Type	Basal Application (kg/mu)	Topdressing (kg/mu per application)	Application Stage
Fruit trees	15–25	8–15	Pre-bud break, young fruit stage, fruit enlargement
Fruit vegetables	10–20	5–10	Before transplanting, flowering, fruiting
Leafy vegetables	8–15	4–9	Before transplanting, rapid growth stage
Cash crops	12–20	6–12	According to key growth stages

Usage Notes

Due to differences in soil type, climate, and crop varieties, it is recommended to conduct small-scale trials before first use or consult local agronomists to determine the optimal fertilization plan.

This fertilizer offers flexible application options, suitable for basal and topdressing as well as fertigation and foliar feeding.

As it contains no phosphorus, long-term exclusive use may lead to nutrient imbalance in soil. It is therefore recommended to combine with phosphorus fertilizers or multi-nutrient compound fertilizers to meet full nutritional requirements throughout the crop growth cycle.