Brought to you by Argus Media Vol 39 • Issue 5 – September/October 2022

Fertilizer Focus

Same Field \ More Yield

Our products helps farmers increase productivity,

in a more sustainable way:
• Balanced nutrition benefits • Increased nutrient use efficiency • Better establishment and
root development • Improved yields and quality • Reduce your carbon footprint

Ask your local distributor or agronomist for details.

www.icl-group.com
 6 CONTENTS

4 Commentary
6 The history of fertilizers: Part 5
12 OpenAg Symposium
16 News in brief
22 Argus White Paper: AdBlue

24 MARKET ANALYSIS
25 Soft commodities
27 Hard commodities
30 Shipping and trade news
34 Price watch

12 42 37 SUPPLEMENT: EUROPE FOCUS

38 Impact on ammonia market from the war
42 EU regulation update
46 Europe’s responses to war in Ukraine

50 Conference review: EBIC’s Farm-to-Fork Europe

conference
54 Conference preview: Argus Fertilizer Europe
conference
56 The developing market for water-soluble fertilizers
60 People and events
56 62 Sustainability: saving farmers money

63 SPECIAL FOCUS: ADDED VALUE FERTILIZERS

64 EEFs from formulation to a commercially viable
product
68 Seed treatments with microelements
72 Research is key for EEF market

75 History of potash
78 FERTILIZER FOCUS MEDIA PACK 2022

64

Fertilizer Focus
Argus Media group
Lacon House, 84 Theobalds Road,
London, WC1X 8NL

Email: fertilizer@argusmedia.com
www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer

Fertilizer Focus 2 3 September/October 2022

COMMENT FEATURE

International market disruption

Written by
Oliver Hatfield, Vice President Business Development,
Argus Media, UK

Welcome once again to Fertilizer Focus. This issue is dominated by the

continent of Europe which has been in the industry spotlight since Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine in February this year. Beside the obvious human tragedy, this has had
wide ranging disruptive economic impacts throughout the region and beyond, with the
European nitrogen fertilizer industry particularly exposed.
Mike Nash, Senior Editor of Argus’s fertilizer market reporting team here in London
contributes a piece which describes and assesses the impact of the war on the main fertilizer
products and raw materials. He emphasizes that while markets have largely adjusted to the
initial disruption, with prices of many products reverting to pre-war levels, further challenges
lie ahead. The knock-on impact from increasingly volatile gas markets in Europe due to
Russia switching off gas supply in response to sanctions, has been substantial European
nitrogen capacity closures. This has created the potential for further future international
market disruption as Europe is likely to substantially increase imports of urea to fill the
supply gap left by urea and nitrates closures in the region.
Sean Mackle, Trade and Economic Director at Fertilizers Europe, is well placed to reflect on
the European Union’s response to the challenges posed by the invasion. For natural gas,
this include a a drastic reduction in the EU’s use of Russian gas this calendar year and
a mandatory target of refilling gas storage to 80% by November 2022. The region is also
accelerating its switch toward greener energy sources to try and close the energy supply gap.
Despite these measures, he points out that the fertilizer industry will be a sector meriting
support, which could include state aid.
David Fyfe, Chief Economist at Argus, reports on how many commodity markets are adjusting
from the initial war-related supply disruptions and their inflationary price impact, to demand
destruction. Of growing concern, commodity futures markets are starting to price in weaker
commodity prices as worries grow about an outright recession by the end of this year or
early next. Europe is likely to be particularly susceptible to an even deeper energy-related
economic shock, being the most exposed region to the cut off in Russian gas supplies which
have brought about a rise in Europe’s gas prices above $80/mmBtu, and the closure of more
than half of Europe’s nitrogen capacity.
Our colleagues in Agritel report on one bright spot from the region, noting the wheat market
impact of Ukraine resuming crop exports from the Black Sea. This is welcome given the war
impact on crop prices this year, and the related concerns about food security and availability.
No doubt all of these issues will be the main topics of conversation when Europe’s
fertilizer industry executives join us at the Argus Fertilizer Europe conference which is fast
approaching in October.
Moving away from the present to the past, we’re pleased to include the fifth instalment
of our ‘History of Fertilizers’ feature, written by Michael Freeman, which focuses on the
development of guano as a commodity fertilizer in the 19th century, and the development
of natural resources of sodium and potassium nitrate, most notably in South America. We’re
also delighted to be able to share a contribution from Hillel Magen, providing a fascinating
overview of the development of potash supply from the Dead Sea, which begin in the first
half of the 20th century.
We hope you enjoy our latest issue!

Fertilizer Focus 4 5 September/October 2022

 FEATURE Fertilizer history Fertilizer history FEATURE

Guano arrived
in European and
North American
markets in the
1840s

Peruvian trade
The first cargo for England was loaded
on the Bonanza in March 1841. Due
to the success of the business, the
contract was renegotiated in 1841 and
again in 1842, when a small English
trading company, Anthony Gibbs, which
happened to have an overseas office in
Lima, emerged as a major player with
rights to sell Peruvian guano in the UK,
most of continental Europe and the
United States. A key component of these
contracts was the series of loans to Mining Guano, Chincha Islands, Peru, 19th Century
The history of fertilizers: Part 5 the government of Peru that Gibbs was
able to negotiate in London, secured

Guano lauded as a
against the tonnage of guano that it was
contracted to sell. Gibbs’s connection
with Peruvian guano continued for
almost twenty years, but came to an
end in 1861 when its relationship
When guano arrived in European and around one quarter of the claimed
North American markets in the 1840s, it deposits were exploited and that this
soon acquired a reputation as a miracle resulted in some 400,000 t of guano
manure. This led to other sources of being extracted from these sources in

miracle manure
In this fifth instalment of a six-part series, Michael Freeman explores the trade and
utilisation of guano as a commodity in the 19th century.
The rapid expansion of farming in
Europe and North America in the
middle of the 19th century generated
a requirement for new fertilizer
products to supplement the supply
of traditional materials. This role was
filled by guano in the three decades
between 1840 and 1870, after which
superphosphate was being made on
a large enough scale to replace the
dwindling availability of guano.
Guano, the excrement of seabirds
that fed on a diet of fish, had a
long history of being employed by
indigenous peasant farmers in the
territories on the Pacific coast of South
America, where it was recovered
from the deposits on off-shore
islands, especially the Chinca group,
which are found in modern Peru.
The application of bird guano was
observed by the German explorer and
polymath Alexander von Humboldt
when he was travelling in this region
in 1802 and he took samples back to
Europe for evaluation. Humphrey Davy
was one of the European scientists
who tested a guano sample and he
reported favourably on it in one of his
lectures on the elements of agricultural
chemistry. However, farmers were not
showing much interest in new manures
at this time and traders were put off
by the risks associated with the long
voyage from South America (three to
four months by sail). Nevertheless,
guano samples continued to be sent
to Britain and the United States and
the trial results achieved by interested
growers eventually encouraged a group
of European and South American
traders to begin regular shipments.
To this end they negotiated a six-year
contract with the Government of Peru
in November 1840 that covered the
extraction of guano from Chinca Island
and its export to overseas markets.
with the Peruvian government had
become increasingly strained. After
the withdrawal of Gibbs, marketing
rights were given to Peruvian nationals
in the 1860s and then to Dreyfus
Brothers in the following decade. It had
been evident for some time that the
reserves of guano on Chinca Island were
finite and that the scale of extraction
would exhaust them before long. Peru
exported a total of 12.7 mn t guano
between 1840 and 1879. The War of the
Pacific, then broke out and as a result of
this conflict Chile acquired control of the
provinces of Tarapaca and Antofagasta,
from Peru and Bolivia respectively. This
included some small off-shore island
deposits of low-grade guano, but these
were of little significance to the trade.
More importantly, these two provinces,
now located in northern Chile, contained
substantial deposits of natural nitrate
that were already being exploited
by British and American investors,
including Gibbs.
guano being sought - initially they
were islands off the coast of southwest
Africa (today’s Namibia) where the arid
conditions were similar to those found
offshore in Peru and northern Chile.
Shipments from Ichaboe Island started
in 1843. The quantities available in this
area were smaller and the quality was
not as good as the South American
guano, particularly in respect of their
nitrogen (N) content.
Guano Islands Act
The demand for guano became such
a big issue in the United States that
in 1856 the government passed the
Guano Islands Act, under which US
citizens could claim the right to extract
guano from any island, rock or key that
was not already claimed by another
country. The Act resulted in 94 claims
being made, mostly relating to islands
in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific
Ocean. It has been estimated that
the second half of the 19th century - a
tiny fraction of the volume obtained
from Peru in the same period. One of
the problems with these new sources
of guano supply is that they were
located in more temperate regions
where regular rainfall had the effect
of leaching the ammonium salts
out of the freshly deposited guano,
leaving behind what was essentially a
phosphate fertilizer.
One of the reasons that Peruvian
guano was so well received by farmers
was its N content of around 10%
which was significantly higher than
the amount of nitrogen in most of the
natural manures that were in use in
the 1840s - sodium nitrate (15% N)
and ammonium sulphate (20% N) had
scarcely entered into fertilizer use at
that time. Most of the new sources
of guano that emerged after 1870
contained limited nitrogen and made
no significant contribution to the
global supply.

Fertilizer Focus 6 7 September/October 2022

 FEATURE Fertilizer history Fertilizer history FEATURE

Table 1. Analyses of guano samples from various sources

Phosphates of
NH4 salts Salts of K & Na Organic matter Sand Water TOTAL
Ca & Mg

South America

- Peru 40% 29½% 11½% 6½% 1% 11½% 100%

- Bolivia 36% 27½% 15¾% 5% 1½% 14% 100%

- Chile 12½% 53% 7½% 2½% 2% 22½% 100%

SW Africa

- Ichaboe Island 26½% 30% 10% 7½% 1% 25% 100%

- Angra Pequina 20% 32% 11% 5% 2% 30% 100%

- Pedestal Point 14% 37% 6½% 6% 7% 29½% 100%

- Bird Island 10½% 62% 2½% 8½% 1½% 15% 100%

Source: EF Teschemacher (1845), quoted in H.Colman, European Agriculture and Rural Economy (1846)

Imports of guano into Britain and the
rest of Europe grew slowly in the 1840s,
but took off in the 1850s, remaining high
in the 1860s, before going into decline in
the 1870s. Peru was the most important
source. The main ports of entry into the
UK were Liverpool, London and Bristol.
One third of the transatlantic cargoes
went wholly or partly to continental
Europe, where the main ports of entry
for guano were Antwerp, Rotterdam,
Hamburg and Le Havre.
Demand for Peruvian guano in the
United States followed a similar pattern
of growth, although interrupted by
the impact of the Civil War in the first
half of the 1860s. Annual intake from
Peru stood at around 75,000 t in the
1850s and rest of the 1860s, and was
supplemented by smaller quantities
from the other sources being exploited
under the Guano Islands Act. The main
ports receiving guano cargoes were
Baltimore and New York City.
Natural nitrate
Saltpetre (potassium nitrate) and Nitre
(sodium nitrate) were recovered from
natural sources for a variety of uses
that included explosives, fireworks,
medicines and the manufacture of
glass and ceramics, long before they
were recognised as being potential
suppliers of nutrient nitrogen to
support the growth of crops. There are
mineral deposits of sodium nitrate
Table 2. British imports of Peruvian guano - five-year-averages (kt/y)
1841-5 1846-0 1851-5
9 46 174
Table 3. US Imports of Peruvian Guano (kt)
1854/5 1857/8
176 75
in very dry regions of South America
(Atacama Desert) and western China
(Gobi Desert), but they are so remote
that exploitation did not become
feasible until the emergence of modern
transport systems rendered them
accessible.
Prior to this, nitrate was extracted from
‘nitrous earth’ that was found in the
earth floor of stables, bird houses,
cess pits and other places where
excrement was allowed to accumulate,
impregnating the soil with nitrogenous
material that was converted by
bacterial action into nitrates; these
were extracted by washing, treated
with wood ash or alum to upgrade the
potassium content and the potassium
nitrate was then recovered by
crystallization. Another route involved
filling pits with dung and decaying
organic matter, mixed with soil, that
became over time rich in nitrates. The
production of saltpetre, mostly for
military use, expanded in Europe in the
1856-0 1861-5 1866-0 1871-5 1876-0
183 150 174 107 99
1859/0 1862/3 1866/7 1868/9
71 3 77 13
Middle Ages, but by the 17th century
India had emerged as a major supplier
to world markets, with the trade
managed by the East India Company.
Nitrate from these sources was never
cheap enough for it to be considered as
a possible fertilizer material.
Spanish empire
The discovery and conquest of
modern-day Chile, Peru and Bolivia
took place in the first half of the 16th
century as the Spanish empire was
being expanded across the Americas.
In what is today northern Chile, the
colonisers found and started to
exploit deposits of natural sodium
nitrate, which was used in Europe to
make gunpowder, as an alternative
to saltpetre. It seems likely that the
indigenous farmers were aware of the
fertilizing value of natural nitrate, but
the colonisers showed little interest in
this aspect until the 19th century.
Remains of a saltpetre refinery in the UNESCO World Heritage ghost town of Santa Laura, Chile
These three countries achieved
independence from Spain in 1818-
1825 and around this time caliche, the
nitrate mineral, began to be mined
and processed on a larger scale and
commercial outlets were sought for
the product. A cargo sent to England
in 1820 was rejected because the
import duty was too high and there
were other sources of nitrate, although
these were not as easy to exploit as
the South American deposits. Ten
years later another attempt was made
to break into the European and North
American markets that seems to have
been more successful, and a regular
trade got under way. The first statistics
of nitrate production date from this
period state that annual output
averaged 5,000 t in the 1830s, moving
steadily upwards to pass 100,000 t in
1869 and 1 mn t in 1890.
Although the extraction process
was relatively primitive, it yielded
a reasonably pure product that
contained 95% sodium nitrate
(equivalent to 15.7% N), which was
consumed as an industrial chemical
The production of saltpetre expanded in
Europe in the Middle Ages
for a range of applications including
explosives and fireworks, the
manufacture of sulphuric acid (by the
lead chamber process), nitric acid and
nitrate salts, as well as being a raw
material for glass and ceramics. Being
deliquescent, sodium nitrate was less
satisfactory than potassium nitrate
for making gunpowder mixtures, but
potassium nitrate could be made from
sodium nitrate and potassium chloride
by double decomposition.
Although its content of N was higher
than that of most other materials
being used as fertilizers in the 19th
century, natural nitrate attracted
relatively little interest from farmers
in the early years when its production
was being built up. Bearing in mind
that the role of nutrients in arable
cultivation was rather unclear in
the mid-19th century and this was
especially true outside the scientific
community. In addition, Liebig had
strongly expressed the view that
supplementary nitrogen was not
necessary - in his opinion it could
be absorbed from the atmosphere if
the other nutrients were present in
adequate amounts. The main sources
of fertilizer nitrogen in the 19th century
were farmyard manure in Europe and
abattoir waste in the United States
where the growth of the meat packing
industry generated by-products that
were eagerly taken up by crop growers.
Chilean nitrates
One of the early foreign investors
in nitrate extraction was George
Smith whose La Noria Oficina was
established around 1830. Williamson
& Co., another British investor, built

Fertilizer Focus 8 9 September/October 2022

 FEATURE Fertilizer history

up a portfolio of ten oficinas by 1851.
Both of these early operators sold out
to Anthony Gibbs & Sons, a British
trader that had made its money in
Peruvian guano. In the 1870s, the
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Gibbs, Antony (1756-1816) CLEAR LIQUID THIOSULFATE
AND POTASSIUM SULPHATE
The founder of a small trading company
that emerged as a prominent player in the
Transatlantic trade in Peruvian guano. The

Peruvian government moved to
establish control over the nitrate
trade first by establishing a sales
monopoly, then by moving to take
over the producers themselves. This
became irrelevant at the end of the
decade when Chile invaded Bolivia
and Peru in what became known as
The War of the Pacific (1879-1883),
which ended in the provinces of
Tarapaca and Antofagasta being
ceded to Chile, thus taking the nitrate
industry out of the control of Peru.
The Chilean government invited
private investors to move back into
nitrate production, but local financiers
were reluctant to do so, leaving
the opportunity open for foreign
investors. This initiated a period in
which foreign capital, mostly raised
in London, and British and American
technology contributed to the rapid
build-up of the Chile nitrate industry.
The capital required to implement this
expansion was obtained by floating
new companies on the London Stock
Exchange. By 1890, there were 23
London-quoted companies active in
the nitrate business, and the biggest
entrepreneur, who was involved in 17
of them, was John Thomas North.
FERTILIZERS
company, initially based in Exeter, was re-
established in London in 1808, and two of
Antony’s sons were brought in to run it. A Gibbs
subsidiary in Lima, set up in 1822 to facilitate
exports to Peru, moved into the new guano
trade twenty years later. By the late 1850s,
Gibbs had a near-monopoly on Peruvian guano
exports, but the company withdrew from the
trade in 1861 when the government in Lima
was becoming discontented with the extent of
foreign involvement in the trade. After moving
out of guano, which had been a major part of its
business, Gibbs diversified into other sectors,
including the nascent Chile nitrate industry.
Thio-Sul® SoluPotasse®
Multi-functional liquid N and S product Fast dissolving, completely soluble SOP
Chile nitrate production expanded fourth and fifth combines from 1901-
by some 600,000-700,000 t in 1907. They tended to be relatively
the decade after the War of the short-lived because of the inevitable
Pacific, but this was not matched conflicts between the individual
by the growth in demand. Nitrate producers. One of the positive
producers responded to the threats results of these collaborations was
of over-supply and falling prices by the increased attention that was
setting up a series of ‘combines’ given to promoting fertilizer uses
- effectively cartels - to coordinate for Chilean nitrate, with the result
their strategy. The first nitrate that core markets for nitrate were
combine ran from 1884 to 1886, the established among beet growers in
second combine from 1891 to 1894, Europe and tobacco farmers in the KTS® K-Leaf®
the third ran in 1896-1897 and the United States. High concentration liquid K and S nutrients Unique K and S product for foliar application

Michael Freeman writes:

For some 45 years until I retired in 2010, I was an economic analyst specialising in the study of the mining and chemical
sectors, in particular the mineral fertilizer industry. When I started out, many of the active companies had names that
related to their origins in the 19th Century as producers of superphosphate and potash, traders in guano, or as suppliers
of meat processing by-products. Consolidations and closures caused most of these old names to disappear, and with
them the links to the industry’s origins.
Retirement gave me an opportunity to explore the early years of the modern mineral fertilizer industry and to write
about it. I chose to terminate my coverage at the end of the 19th Century, by which time the production of phosphate CaTs® GranuPotasse®
and potash fertilizers had become well established, at least in Europe and North America, but the creation of a 100 % readily available liquid Ca and S Optimum uptake of granular K and S
nitrogen fertilizer industry was still waiting for the invention of the Haber-Bosch process for synthesis ammonia early
in the 20th Century.
Being based in London, I have been able to use the resources of the British Library and the London Library to
supplement the material that is available on line. I have tried to prevent my account from being too Anglo-centric,
although there is no doubt that the UK’s highly-developed farming and finance sectors did allow it to be the industry
leader for a brief time in the middle of the 19th Century.
I would welcome any comments, amplifications or corrections to the text, and can be reached via Fertilizer Focus. Unlock your soils potential and improve
efficiencies with our thiosulfate and SOP
based fertilizers.
Fertilizer Focus 10 www.tessenderlokerley.com 11 September/October 2022
FEATURE OpenAg Symposium
Technology and resilience
How collaboration in agriculture can reshape the
net-zero conversation
Written by
Sanjay Singh, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, UPL Limited, India
There is great optimism about the
positive role agriculture can play in
the modern era – not only in feeding
a growing population, but helping
us sustain the natural world upon
which humanity relies. Central to this
is a belief that farmers must be the
champions of global decarbonisation
efforts, and that we can Reimagine
Sustainability by equipping each with
the inputs, technology, and knowledge
they need to grow more sustainably
and productively. But with agricultural
activity around the world facing a
range of new and perennial challenges,
this is no small aspiration. It can
only be realised through a collective,
co-ordinated effort in which global
agriculture works hand in hand with
academia, charities, NGOs, and the
public and private sectors.
This commitment to collaboration
is part of UPL Limited’s vision to
reimagine sustainability for global
agriculture, and it is in this spirit
that in 2021 UPL partnered with the
Oxford India Centre for Sustainable
Development (OICSD) to launch the
first OpenAg Symposium (OAS).
Led as a day-long conference at the
Blavatnik School of Government at the
University of Oxford, the OAS brings to
life our belief in cross-sector dialogue
by uniting the very stakeholders we
believe have the experience and
inclination to develop and implement
plans and policies to make agriculture
a real force for lasting positive change.
Fertilizer Focus
In some parts of the world fertilizer
prices have increased four-fold
Overcoming global
challenges through
agriculture
The timing of this conference could not
have been more significant, given the
way food security, climate resilience,
and trading links have shot to the top
of the global agenda in the last six
months. At each of the major political
meetings so far this year, the topic of
food security has been everywhere.
The tragic events of the past six
months since Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine have further exaggerated the
supply chain challenges first exposed
by COVID-19 pandemic. Closed
borders, export bans, and sanctions,
are jeopardising the delicate recovery
from the pandemic, and highlighting
the fragility of interconnected and
interdependent global food systems.
And at the same time, parts of Europe
have been experiencing some of
the most significant temperatures,
wildfires, and droughts that have been
seen in generations. A glance out the
window on any train journey through
rural France or the United Kingdom
reveals the extent of damage and
disruption that this unprecedented
period of heat and aridity. It is easy to
12
OpenAg Symposium FEATURE
think that farming systems across the
developing world are those subject to
the ravages of climate change, but year
on year, from Australia and the United
States, to Spain, Italy and Greece, we
see the true scale of the challenge
that shifting weather patterns are
presenting for global food systems as
a whole. (top left) L-R - Gopal Subramanium, Former Solicitor General of India, Baroness Jan Royall, Somerville
College Principal, Oxford University, and Jai Shroff, Global CEO of UPL Limited; (top right) Sir Charles
And finally, we are in the midst of an
energy crisis. Different countries will
Godfray, Director of the Oxford Martin School, and Myles Allen, Professor of Geosystem Science at the
approach energy self-sufficiency in a School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, listen to a panel on how to pave the way
different way, and some are further for an equal and inclusive path to Net Zero Agriculture; (bottom left) Patricia Hewitt, Former Secretary
down the path to renewable capacity of State for Health and OICSD Advisory Board Chair, giving a speech on the potential for climate-
that others, but farmers will not be
positive agriculture; (bottom right) An audience, composed of key policy decision makers, listens to a
immune from spikes in operating
costs resulting from sharp inflationary
panel on synergies between renewable energy and agriculture for accelerating Net Zero
stresses. In some parts of the world,
fertilizer prices have increased four-fold
in the last year alone, placing equal
pressure on farmers and consumers The 2nd OpenAg Climate: Reimagining the role of global The first opportunity the conference
agriculture on the path to Net Zero wished to establish was the role of
alike as food prices creep slowly up. Symposium emissions.” agriculture in decarbonisation. Soil
The picture that emerges is one of Identifying solutions to these carbon sequestration is well established
challenges, and collating ideas The race to net-zero represents one as a vital resource in combatting climate
interdependency, which is why this
year’s OpenAg Symposium embraced and innovations to help harness of the great human development change by reaching net zero. It is
the need to treat the transformation agriculture as a climate-positive challenges. But it is also why the estimated that with the right practices,
of energy and agriculture as the force was the reason academics, opportunity for transformation is so agricultural land has the potential to
twin-pillars not only in global efforts researchers, policymakers, private compelling. Unlike other industries remove as much as 5 bn t of carbon
for decarbonisation, but as the sector leaders, and parliamentarians that can only mitigate their negative dioxide a year from the atmosphere,
most compelling catalytic forces for gathered to attend the second impact on the environment, which is about 25% of the carbon
ensuring greater resilience at the farm Symposium on 27 June under the agriculture holds the capacity to reduction needed to avoid breaching the
and food system level alike. theme: “Food Future in a Changing reverse climate change. catastrophic 1.5-degree global warming
13 September/October 2022
FEATURE OpenAg Symposium OpenAg Symposium FEATURE

One example explored symbiosis in a
very literal sense, presenting research
led by the University of Sheffield on the
emerging field of ‘agro-voltaics’ which
pairs solar panels elevated high into
the air with crops grown on the land
beneath. Farmers benefit from easy
access to renewable energy bringing
down their operating expenses, and
crops benefit from the shadows cast by
the panels to grow in more supportive
conditions, improving the efficiency of
inputs and irrigation alike.
And at a much smaller – almost
invisible scale – technological
stocks in soil, and building greater
resilience to weather events and
volatility at the same time.
OpenAg: collaboration as a
catalyst for change
In each example presented at the OAS,
we see the power of collaboration.
With more than 600 mn smallholders
around the world feeling the effects
of an increasingly challenging
environment, partnerships will be
vital to unlocking opportunities and
outcomes to reimagine sustainability
the way the industry thinks, works and
evolves to deliver positive change.
Through OpenAg we are creating a new
global network that feeds sustainable
growth for all and redefines the role of
agriculture as a climate positive force.
For example, we are working with
leading organisations such as the Soil
Health Institute, to help our soils heal
and flourish after decades of being side-
lined from the climate debate, and we
are forming partnerships with scientific
leaders such as Chr. Hansen and Oro
Agri to research, develop and distribute
new, sustainable agricultural inputs.

(left) L-R - Helena Wright, Policy Director at FAIRR, Professor Paul Brereton, School of Biological innovation is racing ahead at the micro
level too. Presentations explored the
Sciences, Queens University Belfast, and Suzanne van Tilburg, Global Head of Food & Agri Networks at role that interventions focussing on
Rabobank, during a panel exploring the opportunities and challenges for financing the transition to Net carbon-fixing bacteria, bio-fertilizers
Zero Agriculture; (right) Professor Radhika Khosla, OICSD Research Director, giving an opening speech and cover crops can play, along with
at the 2nd OpenAg Symposium on how the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development is working crop diversification, no-till practices,
to bridge the gap between research and finding practical solutions to addressing climate change and smart irrigation practices, in
dramatically increasing organic carbon
in a way that no single actor could
achieve on their own. At UPL, this
philosophy exists beyond the OpenAg
Symposium and powers our OpenAg
network: a truly collaborative, global
commitment to working with the
entire food system – from farmers to
producers to consumers - to change
It is recognising the importance that
only through a unified approach will
climate change be successfully tackled.
Only through inter-disciplinary efforts
from across all sectors will we be able
to solve common global challenges and
we hope that the fertilizer industry will
be vital part of these solutions.

barrier. But this relies on rethinking our

relationship with soil overall. During
the Summit, one of the key focuses of
discussion was the ground beneath
our feet – often recognised for its
crucial role in improving food security,
crop diversification and sustainable
intensification, yet just as often
overlooked and underutilised for its
ability to further decarbonisation efforts.
Supporting soil health
Healthy soil is not only vital to growing
crops, and responsible for growing 95%
of the food we consume, it is also vital
to agriculture’s role in achieving net
zero by acting as a carbon sink. One of
the most pressing unilateral calls from
the OAS was for more representatives
from the private sector and civil
society to join investors (representing
USD14.59 trillion) who are calling on
the UN to produce a Global Roadmap to
1.5˚C, and the creation of formal carbon
framework for soil.
Rebuilding, maintaining and
safeguarding soil health needs
direct and concerted action. At least
a third of global soil resources are
believed to be in poor or very poor
We need to rethink how we support crop
strength and resilience
condition with capacity left for only
60 harvests, according to UN reports.
A combination of the right inputs,
and the introduction of sustainable
practices will not only support the
health of our soils and planet – but it
can in fact increase farmer resilience
and profitability and help secure the
global food chain.
For anyone working in the agricultural
inputs industry, this also means
rethinking how we support crop
strength and resilience to ensure
that soil health and plant health are
our foremost priority. And borrowing
from other sustainability successes,
such as the first electric vehicles to
enter mass-production, soil health
and regeneration will need to follow a
hybrid model. In fact, this is likely to be
the preferred route forward long-term.
The OAS explored a number of hybrid
models, and gave UPL the opportunity
to discuss the work we are leading with
farmers in India via our ProNutiva model
– a combination of complimentary
traditional and biological inputs –
which is already seeing sugarcane
farmers benefit on average from
around USD400 additional income
per acre in yield increases, 6 mn litres
in water savings, and a 56-t reduction COLOUR, our main purpose.
in the amount of traditional fertilizer
used. These results are mirrored in the
production of chili, groundnuts, and
even cotton in India, with comparable
benefits achieved for cocoa production
in West Africa, soya in Brazil, and citrus
fruits in southern Europe.
Technology and resilience
Also discussed during the OAS was
the importance of working at the farm
level to increase resilience in the face
of unpredictable and volatile economic
FERTIMAC®
and climate shocks. As has been seen Colors for fertilizers & seeds
in the transformation of healthcare,
financial inclusion, and education
sectors, increasing access to new
technologies has enormous power for info@proquimac.com · www.proquimac.com · T. +34 938 280 673 · Barcelona (Spain)
advancing resilience and knowledge.

Fertilizer Focus 14 15 September/October 2022

FEATURE
NEWS In brief
News in brief
EUROPE
Most Europe nitrogen production will
soon be closed
Europe’s nitrogen fertilizer industry will be mostly off line
next month as fertilizer prices have not kept pace with
natural gas-based production costs.
Planned shutdowns of most Polish plants, Lithuania’s
Achema, much of Norwegian firm Yara’s output and some
of Austrian producer Borealis’ French operations — all
announced this week to begin by early September at the
latest — represent a cut of around 400,000 t/month from
Europe’s installed nitrogen capacity, combined across urea,
AN, CAN and UAN. By a conservative estimate, Europe will
soon be operating less than half of its installed capacity
to produce these products — unprecedented even for the
seasonally low demand period over summer.
Yara said today that it will cut ammonia production to just
35% of installed capacity. The producer says it will soon
have cut production by 1.9 mn t/yr of nitrates and 1.8 mn t/
yr of urea, although it aims to operate some plants in part
using imported ammonia, which may mitigate the impact
slightly on the nitrates side.
The table below details Argus’ current understanding of the
operating status of Europe’s main nitrogen plants.
The crisis has affected some products more than others.
Less than 30% of regional UAN capacity is expected to be
operating by the start of autumn. The relative abundance
of cheaper US supply is replacing some of the lost volume,
although by no means all of it.
AN output from regional plants is confirmed to have been
cut by half, with CAN down by between a third and a half.
Unlike UAN, there is much less spare capacity outside
Europe for dry nitrates and so buyers have been turning
to ammonium sulphate and urea imports for replacement
supplies.
On urea, European-wide production appears to be
operating at less than a quarter of normal capacity. Of more
than 8 mn t/yr of potential production capacity, just 2mn t/
yr is planned to remain operational — mostly Yara but also
Germany’s BASF, Borealis and Spanish producer Fertiberia.
Even ammonium sulphate, mostly produced as a by-product
of caprolactam manufacturing processes, has been affected.
Shutdowns and reduced operating rates in Belgium, the
Netherlands, Germany and Poland have reduced output in
Europe to around half of maximum capacity.
Fertilizer Focus
But there may be some limited relief on the horizon.
Much of the gas price rally since 19 August was driven by
Russian state-controlled Gazprom’s announcement that it
would stop shipping through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline for
a three-day maintenance period later this month. If flows
resume on schedule in early September, it seems plausible
that gas prices might return to prior levels.
The difficulty now facing regional distributors is their urgent
need to procure replacement for lost regional production
to pre-position before spring, but the lack of immediate
demand from farm buyers that are mostly 5-6 months away
from being able to apply nitrogen to their fields.
Poland’s Azoty cuts Kedzierzyn fertilizer
output
Polish fertilizer producer Grupa Azoty has reduced output
at its Kedzierzyn plant, joining several other facilities in the
country that are reducing operations because of a surge in
natural gas prices. Kedzierzyn today announced that it would
reduce operations at its fertilizer units to the minimum
required, or 43% of its capacity.
Kedzierzyn — which produces several types of nitrogen
fertilizers — is the latest in a line of plants imposing
curtailments in Poland this week because of high gas prices.
Azoty’s Pulawy unit in eastern Poland suspended nitrogen
production and its Tarnow plant temporarily shut nitrogen
fertilizer and caprolactam output. Anwil’s Wloclawek unit also
announced a halt to its fertilizer production on 23 August.
Together, Azoty’s Pulawy, Kedzierzyn and Tarnow plants
consume about 1.8 bn m3/yr of natural gas. Azoty’s Police
plant in northwest Poland remains one of the country’s few
plants that has not yet announced production cuts on the
back of soaring gas prices.
Before production cuts were announced, Poland’s fertilizer
output had already fallen this year. In July, output of
nitrogen, phosphate and potash totalled 223,000t on
a nutrient basis, a 10% decline on the year, according
to figures by government statistical office GUS. Overall,
January-July production fell to 1.54 mn t, a 11% decline on
the year.
Output of nitrogen in nutrient terms fell by 5% on the year to
1.15 mn t in January-July.
Production of phosphates, on a nutrient basis, was down by
a quarter on the year, to 201,000t of P2O5 in January-July,
while output of potash as a nutrient fell by 11% on the year
to 191,000t of K2O in the same period.
16
In brief SECTION
NEWS
Yara nitrogen shutdowns focus on
Sluiskil, Tertre sites DELIVERING
FERTILIZER
Norwegian producer Yara’s planned shutdowns across
its European fertilizer plants will be concentrated mostly
at its Sluiskil and Tertre factories in the Netherlands and
SOLUTIONS
Belgium.
Both plants are major losses to European supply.
FOR
Sluiskil can produce about 1.9 mn t/year of CAN/AN, 1.3
mn t/yr of urea and 600,000 t/yr of UAN under normal
circumstances. Tertre can produce about 1mn t/year of
OVER
CAN/AN.
Yara says it may attempt to restart nitrates output at
Sluiskil using imported ammonia — Argus estimates
50 YEARS
that running the CAN and AN units at capacity would
require about 35,000-40,000 t/month of ammonia
to be delivered by sea. But urea production requires
CO2 from ammonia generation and the Tertre plant,
being landlocked, does not have the facilities to import
ammonia and so will remain off line. BLENDING | MIXING | CONVEYING
The difficulty facing Yara’s remaining operational plants in
continental Europe is clear. Many are already running on
imported ammonia, which should keep costs at 40-45%
of running a plant using spot natural gas prices. But any
exposure to natural gas prices at today’s values of about
EUR310/MWh implies production costs of EUR3,000/t of
ammonia, EUR1,250/t of prilled AN, EUR1,000/t of prilled
CAN, EUR1,700/t of prilled urea and EUR1,200/t of UAN
32. Granulation costs could add as much as EUR300/t to
this figure, assuming 4mm Btu of gas consumption per
tonne of fertilizer.
Syngenta to buy Brazilian agricultural
retailer
Swiss-based agrochemical company Syngenta will
purchase Brazilian agricultural retailer Agro Jangada in
Mato Grosso do Sul state.
The acquisition includes six distribution centres under
the Agro Jangada brand in Itapora, Dourados, Navirai,
Caarapo, Laguna and Nova Andradina in the state,
Syngenta says.
Brazilian antitrust regulator Cade must approve the deal.
Syngenta did not give a timeline for the review or the
transaction’s value.
aggrowth.com
The deal involves Syngenta Protection, the largest
business unit of Syngenta Group, a holding formed by
Chinese state-owned firms Sinochem and ChemChina.
Agro Jangada is a retailer specialized in
commercialization of agricultural inputs, such as seeds,
fertilizers and pesticides for crops such as soybeans,
corn, wheat, rice and beans. It will continue to operate
independently under its own brand, Syngenta says.
17 September/October 2022
 NEWS In brief In brief SECTION
NEWS

NORTH AMERICA
Nutrien delivers record first half earnings
and expects strong second half
Nutrien has announced its second quarter 2022 results,
with net earnings of USD3.6 bn (USD6.51 diluted
net earnings per share), which includes a non-cash
impairment reversal of USD450 mn relating to our
Phosphate operations. Second quarter 2022 adjusted net
earnings per share were USD5.85 and adjusted EBITDA1
was USD5.0 bn.
Compass posts loss as potash volumes
drop
North American fertilizer producer Compass Minerals
reported a loss in its most recent quarter as potash
volumes declined during a compressed spring planting
season.
Sales volumes in the fiscal third quarter fell to 67,000 st,
down by 24% from a year earlier, while average selling
prices jumped by 36% to about USD827/st, Compass
said. The company’s potash revenue in the three months
through 30 June rose by about 3% from a year earlier to
USD55.6 mn as higher fertilizer prices outweighed the
lower sale volumes.
A cool, wet spring in North America delayed the start of
planting this year, weighing on potash demand across the
industry.
Compass said future results in its plant nutrition segment
would rely on production performance and pricing
dynamics.
The company posted a loss in the quarter of USD3.5 mn,
compared with a profit of USD0.9 mn a year earlier.
Sabic also signed initial agreements with at least one fertilizer
importer for the supply of DAP.
Saudi Arabia is already a key origin of fertilizers for Indian
importers. The country accounted for 1.69 mn t of DAP
shipments to India in 2021, more than a third of total Indian
DAP imports. India imported about 1.55 mn t of complex
fertilizers in 2021, just under a quarter of which loaded at the
Saudi Arabian port of Ras Al-Khair, according to Argus data.
On ammonia, Saudi producers supplied more than 600,000t
to India in January-August, up from about 450,000t for the full
year of 2021.
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Sumitomo acquisition of Nativa to expand
agricultural input and service business in
Brazil
Sumitomo Corporation has reached an agreement with
shareholders of Nativa, an agricultural supplies distributor in
south-eastern Brazil, to acquire all shares of Nativa to make
it a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition is through Agro
Amazonia Produtos Agropecuários S.A., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation and is scheduled to be
completed by the end of the 2022 fiscal year once necessary
approvals from relevant authorities are obtained.
Petrobras to sell rights to mine potash in
Amazon
Brazilian state-controlled Petrobras is selling its rights to mine
potash in the Amazon basin.
The company is selling 34 rights to mine or research the basin.
Of those, eight rights are to mine potash in the Fazendinha
AUSTRALASIA
Yara in Australian ammonia bunkering
agreement
Norwegian fertilizer producer Yara has signed an
agreement with the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA), which
manages the largest iron ore ports in Australia, for a
feasibility study into green ammonia bunkering at the
Pilbara in Western Australia.
This feasibility study will assess potential demand,
feasibility, infrastructure requirements, safety
considerations and the establishment of ammonia
bunkering guidelines, Western Australia ports minister
Rita Saffioti said in a statement.
Green ammonia bunkering is seen as an alternative fuel
to bunker fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
in the global shipping sector. The International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) wants to see a 40% reduction in CO2
emissions from shipping by 2030 compared with 2008
levels, and a cut of at least 70% by 2050.
ai166245021015_revista-acefer.pdf 1 6/9/22
C
Wood appointed ‘owner’s engineer for
Strike’s fertilizer plant in Western Australia
Wood, the global consulting and engineering company,
has been appointed as owner’s engineer for the delivery of
Project Haber, Strike Energy’s USD3 bn and 1.4 mn t/pa urea
fertilizer production facility to be built in Western Australia.
This state-of-the-art low-carbon fertilizer plant will reduce
Australia’s carbon footprint in the agricultural industry.
Project Haber will have the unique ability to use hydrogen
from a 10MW onsite electrolyser in addition to large scale
behind the meter wind and solar generation in partnership
with Strike’s vertically integrated low-cost Perth Basin gas
resources, creating the potential to generate the world’s
lowest carbon fertilizer and reducing Australia’s reliance on
imports.
As owner’s engineer, Wood will provide technical and
engineering oversight services for the duration of the project
to monitor and assess the work in progress, ensuring the
engineering, procurement and construction contractor
delivers work consistent with the project’s requirements.
9:43

deposit, which were already approved by Brazil’s national

MIDDLE-EAST mining agency, and four requests are to mine potash in the
M

Arari deposit. The remaining 22 requests are to research Y

Ma’aden and Sabic sign up with Indian other areas in the Amazon basin, including a region that CM

ferts companies interconnects the Fazendinha and Arari deposits. MY

Saudi Arabian fertilizer producers Ma’aden and Sabic Petrobras has conducted geological and economical studies CY

have signed several agreements with Indian fertilizer regarding the mines’ viability. Interested corporations need CMY

companies to supply fertilizers and ammonia to India. have a net equity of USD2 bn. Financial players interested in
the rights’ acquisition need to manage the same amount in
K

India’s fertilizer minister said on Twitter that Indian

companies have secured a total supply of 2.5 mn t/yr of
ammonia, DAP and NPKs for the next three years.
Ma’aden signed initial agreements with Indian companies
IPL for the supply of phosphate, GSFC for the supply of
ammonia, and Kribhco and CIL to supply both phosphate
and ammonia. The agreements also include intentions
to co-operate on a range of different fields like product
development and logistics solutions. The producer is
seeking to double its shipments to India, starting in 2023.
total assets.
Also, potential buyers cannot be under any economic,
financial or commercial sanctions established by the World
Bank, the UN security council, the US, Canada, the UK, the EU,
the Netherlands or Brazil.
The announcement is part of Petrobras’ 2021-25 strategic plan
to leave the fertilizer sector. The company resumed the sale
process of nitrogen-based fertilizer unit UFN3 in Tres Lagoas,
in Mato Grosso do Sul state in early June.

Fertilizer Focus 18 19 September/October 2022

FEATURE FEATURE

Improving
crop quality

Wheat/Barley

2.3%
Increase in yield

Sunflower seeds
3%
Increase in oil concentration
(up to)

Reimagining Potatoes
4.1%

Crop Nutrition
Increase in yield

Scan to read more

Our mission is to help farmers around the world to
increase crop production by improving their efficiency,
effectiveness, flexibility, and sustainability.

POLY4 is a multi-nutrient, low-chloride
fertiliser derived from a naturally occurring
polyhalite mineral. With no chemical
processing and low carbon footprint during
manufacturing, POLY4 is suitable for organic
farming and offers season-long crop nutrition
by supplying
Fertilizer Focusfour essential nutrients –
potassium, sulphur, magnesium, and calcium
– in one product.
This balanced nutrition, backed up by years
of global agronomic data, will help increase
yields, improve crop quality, and enhance
20structure and nutrient legacy of soils.
From uniform granule packed with nutrients to
uniform nutrient distribution on the field, POLY4
offers solutions and supports sustainable
agricultural practices.
21 September/October 2022
FEATURE AdBlue
Argus White Paper:
What is a better way to price
AdBlue in a diverging market?
Many companies are facing
challenges buying and selling
AdBlue. End users know the
importance of stable AdBlue
sup- ply for their businesses and
want to secure long-term supply
contracts to ensure this. Previous
contracts used urea-price- linked
formulas that have been shown
to have decoupled from European
production costs, and therefore
AdBlue prices, since late last year.
This raises the question of whether
it still makes sense to price AdBlue
in Europe directly off urea, or even
natural gas prices, and whether
there is a better way.
The commonly used prilled urea
fob Baltic price has decoupled from
European AdBlue prices (see chart
below), because it mostly reflects
Figure 1. Baltic and Egypt urea vs natural gas
Fertilizer Focus
trade of Russian urea to non-EU
countries and those selling on
these terms have different costs to
European urea producers.
It is equally difficult to model AdBlue
prices off other urea references, such
as the Egyptian granular urea price —
a popular reference for Europe. The
Egyptian price refers to agricultural-
grade urea, not automotive-grade
— used to make AdBlue — and is
linked to considerably lower natural
gas prices, again, that are obtained
on different terms to European
producers.
Furthermore, AdBlue represents only
5-15% of Europe’s urea production,
so it has a limited influence on
European urea prices and even less
on international urea prices.
22
What is the solution?
Argus’ AdBlue index directly measures
the value of AdBlue in Europe’s biggest
market, Germany, by assessing spot
sales of bulk AdBlue sold on an ex-
works basis.
This provides an accurate view of
Europe’s AdBlue spot market and
better reflects the cost of production for
domestic producers. The index also better
reflects the independent supply/demand
dynamics of Europe’s AdBlue market.
AdBlue is critical to Europe’s diesel
vehicle infrastructure for the movement
of people and goods, as it is used
by almost all diesel trucks and all
new diesel cars, so it needs a price
index that better reflects its value,
independently from urea prices, to
ensure its continued supply.
Note: AdBlue® is the registered trademark name of Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) for diesel exhaust fluid
(DEF), which reduces harmful NOx emissions from diesel engines. Its use has been required in most trucks in Europe for
over 20 years and in all new diesel cars since 2016. It is made from automotive- grade urea, a product which in turn is
manufactured using large amounts of natural gas.
AdBlue FEATURE
Figure 2. AdBlue spot prices driven by own supply-demand dynamics
Access Argus’ new German AdBlue Figure 3. AdBlue® terminals by pricing region
price assessments through:
Argus AdBlue® and DEF
The Argus AdBlue® and DEF service is the industry’s
most comprehensive resource for the global AUS 32
(AdBlue, DEF, ARLA 32) market. It provides weekly
reports with price assessments for Europe and
North America, actionable insights on key market
developments, real-time news and fundamentals
analysis on supply, demand and trade for Europe,
North America, India and Brazil.
Argus O.M.R. Fuels
The Argus O.M.R. Fuels service is Germany’s most robust,
comprehensive basis for supply contracts, and the service
now includes Argus’ new German AdBlue price assess-
ment. Contracts based on the Argus O.M.R. Fuels service
offer price and planning security, precisely reflecting
wholesale values for heating oil, diesel and gasoline at
11 price centres in Germany. Our assessments are used
throughout the retail chain, from the refinery or storage
facility to the filling station or truck operator. The service
offers essential analysis of market-moving news and price
developments, with key insights into the biofuels market,
new legislation, changes to the flow of goods, refinery
shutdowns and key market trends.
contact@argusmedia.com +44 20 7780 4200 www.argusmedia.com @argusmedia
23 September/October 2022
 Soft commodity update MARKET ANALYSIS

Soft commodities:
Acceleration of exports from
the Black Sea
Information from Agritel – An Argus Media company

Wheat summary
The Euronext wheat market on the
December delivery did not manage to
break the EUR330/t zone and to repeat
more than three consecutive sessions of
gains. The bearish psychology created
by the resumption of exports from
Ukraine and to a greater extent from
Russia is pushing the strong European
tension into the background. As for
Russia, the USDA’s upward revision
of production by +6.5 mn t to 88 mn
t seems insufficient as analysts now
expect it inside a range between 92
and 95 mn t. Russia’s capacity to
export will be monitored. The USDA’s
objective of 42 mn t seems realistic.
September will be decisive since
Russian wheat with 11.5% protein is
now very competitive at USD315/t FOB
Russia. Faced with this, European wheat
is losing competitiveness. However,
the shipments’ rate remains record in
Europe. At the same time, demand from
the animal feed sector is strong due to
the expected sharp drop in European
corn production, which makes wheat
competitive. The balance sheet for all
cereals in Europe is therefore expected
to be the tightest since at least 2007.
In the US, the USDA is forecasting
production of all wheat at 48.5 mn t
with an export potential of 22.5 mn
t. The ending stock is expected to be
In the longer term and for the third year
in a row, Australia should take a large
share of world flows with production
raised to 33 mn t. In Argentina, the
outlook is mixed after dry sowing and a
sharp drop in acreage. In Ukraine, some
operators expect a reduction in winter
wheat acreage of around -30%. Prices
for the 2023 harvest should remain
strong in this context.
AGRITEL OPINION: The wheat market
on Euronext remains hesitant as the
flow of wheat into Russian ports is
increasingly felt. Loadings are starting
to accelerate, and September will bring
more information about the real capacity
of Russian operators in the context of a
potentially record crop. French wheat
is losing competitiveness on the export
market, anyway the current rate is
unsustainable in the long term.
Figure 1. Wheat ($/T)
Corn summary
The corn market has recorded further
gains last week. As in June, Euronext
corn traded again above EUR335/t
on the November contract. Weather
conditions, particularly in Europe, remain
one of the main reasons of this bullish
rally. The water deficit is marked in the
east of the continent with irreversible
losses from Hungary to Romania.
Scattered rains in France this weekend
have been insufficient to bring any real
improvement. A large part of the damage
has been done and the 2022 production
in France will struggle to exceed 11 mn
t against 13.9 mn t on average in recent
years. FranceAgriMer observes this
deterioration with a percentage of good
to excellent of 53%, the lowest levels
since records began in 2012. A collapse
of the volumes collected in Europe is

MARKET ANALYSIS >

down by -1.4 mn t compared to last year
at 16.6 mn t, the lowest level since the
2013/14. The downward potential of
US wheat seems therefore limited with
a significant support zone at USD7.8/
bushel on the December 2022 futures.

Commodity updates • Shipping

Fertilizer Focus 24
news • Price watch 25 September/October 2022
 MARKET ANALYSIS Soft commodity update Hard commodity update MARKET ANALYSIS

Hard commodities:
Oilseed summary
Figure 2. Corn ($/T)
Rapeseed prices have been hit by the
collapse of palm oil prices and are now

Storm clouds, sanctions

under the pressure of soybean. Euronext
November futures are now trading below
EUR630/t. Operators were surprised by

and supply chains

Figure 3. Rapeseed ($/T)
confirmed and a European production
below 55 mn t is now envisaged. For
its part, the USDA is posting 60 mn t,
despite a downward revision of -8 mn
t. EU Imports will therefore increase
significantly, especially from Ukraine
US losses. The water deficit of the last
few months has pushed the USDA to cut
the yield by -1.6 bushels/acre to 175.4
b/y, bringing production slightly below
365 mn t. US ending stocks are expected
to be low at 35.3 mn t. Despite huge
the latest monthly USDA report published
on Friday. Against all expectations,
the US yield was re-evaluated at 51.9
bushels/acre against 51.5 bu/ac
previously. The US production is now
posted on the record level of 123.3 mn t.
This is particularly surprising considering
that crop conditions continue to fall due
to the lack of rainfall. 58% of soybeans
are rated in good to excellent condition,
down 1 point from last week. The USDA
report is putting pressure on the whole
complex. Palm oil is resisting by making
a comeback above MYR4,000/t. The
recent drop has rekindled some buying
interest, but the situation remains fragile
given the ample stocks in Malaysia. The
recent MPOB report has just highlighted
this, with stocks approaching 1.8 mn
t in July. Nevertheless, rapeseed has
some arguments to limit its short-term
downward trend. Firstly, the adverse
weather currently in place in Western
Europe could disrupt sowing for the 2023
crop. Secondly, crushing margins are
still favourable as the price of seed has
fallen much faster than oil. Secondly,
the rapeseed-canola price differential is
particularly small, limiting the interest of
Canadian imports into Europe. Finally,
Argus Media’s crop tour in Canada
highlighted a slight overvaluation of
the yield, leading analysts to revise
downwards their production estimate
to 19.5 mn t. With a crushing activity
expected at 10 mn t, Canada’s export
Written by
David Fyfe, Chief Economist, Argus Media, UK
An anticipated switch in commodity
market focus from supply disruptions
to demand destruction has already
begun, leading to an easing across
parts of the pricing complex.
Natural gas and diesel stand out as
exceptions to the trend, remaining
among the more difficult-to-replace
components of Russian export
flows. Winter market conditions
will continue to hinge on macro-
economic impacts and geopolitical
developments arising from the
war in Ukraine, but with the added
complication of vagaries around
northern hemisphere weather.
Since June, much of the commodity
complex has weakened as
workarounds for actual and
impending supply disruptions from
Russia have begun to emerge, and
the potential impact of high prices,
supply chain inflation, rising interest
There is a rising possibility of outright
recession by end-year
fundamentals. Admittedly, part of the
recent weakness in spot benchmarks
has reflected an oversupply of light/
sweet crude versus heavier and higher
sulphur alternatives. But physical
markets also now seem to be pricing
in a rising possibility of outright
recession by end-year or early-2023
and the consequent adverse impacts
on demand.
Figure 1. European gas futures in bullish mode
210
200
ICE Brent
190 CBOT wheat
180 ICE TTF gas (rhs)
Crude shipments
Crude sentiment has also eased as
punitive EU oil and shipping embargo
terms (originally due to be fully
implemented late-2022/early-2023)
have seemingly begun to ease. A US
price cap proposal was designed to
moderate the impact of an EU/UK
maritime shipping insurance ban for
crude shipments outside the area,
350
ICE gasoil
330
LME nickel
310

price vs. 1 Feb 2022 = 100

where the geopolitical situation remains
under surveillance. The first ships have
left the ports, but it will take a long
time to return to a so-called ‘normal’
situation. USDA estimates that the deal
will allow Ukraine to export 12.5 mn t of
corn compared to the 9 mn t seen last
month. At the same time, the country’s
production has been re-evaluated by
+5 mn t to 30 mn t. Although far from
target would amount to 8.7 mn t. As rates and a strong USD on commodity 290
volumes produced in South America, the 170 270
usual, Ukraine will have an important demand have begun to be felt,
USDA cut the world ending stock by -6.26 160 250
role to play, and the export dynamics prompting fears of outright global 230
mn t from last month to 306.68 mn t. 150
of the next few weeks will be closely recession. Add in a muted Chinese 210
140
AGRITEL OPINION: The USDA report monitored. economic recovery so far in 3Q22 190
130
170
has started to adjust, highlighting and the reversion of key commodity
AGRITEL OPINION: With a bearish USDA 120
150
production losses in the northern futures prices close to the levels 110
soybean report and rising palm oil stocks 130
hemisphere. If on the other hand, the evident immediately pre-crisis looks 100
in Malaysia, rapeseed is falling back. 110
exports from Black Sea is psychologically to have some solid underpinnings. 90 90
Nevertheless, from a chart point of view,
80 70
reassuring, but the global balance the EUR620/t area appears to be an For crude oil, there has also been

Aug-22
16
Jul-22
29

20

29
9

19

10
22
12

21
24
30
11

11
23

23

14
Feb-22

13
25
May22

Jun-22
15
27
7
7

Apr-22
17

17
Mar-22

26

18

the 42 mn t of last year, the 2022 crop
is still higher than what was expected
until recently. This increase in volumes
in the Black Sea basin are not offsetting
sheet still looks tense. Only a lack of
competitiveness of the corn in the
cereal complex could moderate prices’
tensions.
important support. Crushing margins are
positive and the weather also offers some
support as sowing for the 2023 harvest is
proving particularly difficult.
26
a relative weakening in physical
prices versus futures, undermining
the earlier support that spot values Source: Refinitiv, Argus Media
took from tight global market

Fertilizer Focus 26 27 September/October 2022

 MARKET ANALYSIS Hard commodity update Hard commodity update MARKET ANALYSIS

and it has subsequently become
clear that the UK has yet to enact
any restrictions on the UK insurance
sector for oil cargoes headed outside
Europe. Notwithstanding significant
questions over the practicality of
a price cap, and acknowledging
that Russia could simply respond
by blocking exports altogether,
heating oil demand picking up, and growth prospects and employment being more active than normal. With
Figure 2. Russia gas pipeline flows to Europe as an estimated 200 kb/d-plus of fuel on a regional and global, basis. In the US Gulf Coast system currently
switching demand from European addition to these ongoing macro- exporting 6 mb/d of crude and refined
5000 economic and geopolitical drivers,
industry emerges due to the punitive products plus 275 mcmd of LNG to
4500 cost of spot natural gas. heading into September, focus is also world markets, weather disruptions
4000
turning towards seasonal weather here could propel already strong
prospects. July and August already natural gas and diesel prices to
3500
Inflationary pressures saw extreme heat and drought unprecedented levels.
3000 affect parts of Europe, China and

the apparent softening in the EU/
UK stance has encouraged many
to believe any outright loss to the
global market of Russian crude by
early-2023 might amount to no more
than 1.5-2 mb/d. This is deemed a
“manageable” loss, particularly if
recent moves towards re-instating
the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal prove
successful, allowing incremental
Iranian exports of similar magnitude
by 2023.
For bulk commodities, much of the
recent market weakness has been
exemplified by a Baltic Dry Index
freight barometer now at its lowest
since late-2020. Low Chinese imports
are part of the explanation here,
as recovery from the Covid-related
lockdowns of the second quarter
has been patchy at best. All told,
China’s key commodity imports were
6% lower for January-July than in the
same period of 2021, with iron ore,
crude, coal and natural gas imports
all substantially below year-ago.
Lingering Covid restrictions, and a
weak real-estate sector continue to
weigh on consumer and industrial
confidence, with the People’s Bank of
China cutting interest rates to sustain
GDP growth at acceptable levels.
Russian pipeline supplies
Argus Consulting assumes 2022
growth at +3.2% yoy vs. an original
official target of +5.5%.
Two key futures benchmarks are
bucking the bearish trend evident
for much of the rest of the complex
– gasoil/diesel and natural gas
(particularly in Europe). Arguably
the supply-squeeze narrative
around Russian supplies for these
commodities sustains greater traction
than for other commodities. At
GWh/day
2500
2000
1500
1000 2022
500 2020
0 important will be Russia’s own
Jan Feb Ma
r Apr
Figure 3. ECMWF* seasonal temperature forecast -
Nov’22-Jan’23 vs. 23 yr. average
*ECMWF - European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts
writing, TTF front-month gas futures in
Europe were breaching the equivalent
of USD80/mmbtu, with Russian
pipeline supplies into Europe down
by some 90% yoy as maintenance on
the North Stream-1 pipeline begins.
Natural gas remains a more regionally
differentiated market than oil, as
demonstrated by UK NBP and spot
Asian LNG prices currently around
USD55/mmbtu and US Henry Hub
gas around USD10/mmbtu. All of the
regional markets however are feeling
the impact of Russian supply cut-offs
as LNG has to arbitrage accordingly to
2021
2019
Ma
y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct No
v Dec
Source: ENTSOG, Refinitiv
help meet storage demand ahead of
the northern hemisphere winter.
Diesel supply too remains highly
susceptible to the vagaries of
European sanctions outcomes and
Russia’s supply response. OECD
industry middle distillate stocks at
end-July stood an estimated 100mb
(17%) below seasonal norms and
a their lowest in at least 17 years.
Refineries are not only running flat-out
but also are struggling with restricted
supplies of Russian diesel feedstock
(vacuum gasoil). All this with winter
Price prospects across the commodity
markets in the months ahead will
continue to hinge on the outcome
of Russian sanctions policy and
the success or otherwise of fuel
diversification mandates among
consuming countries. Equally
response as regards sustaining
supplies to world markets. Commodity
price increases themselves are now
fuelling strong inflationary pressures,
with resultant interest rate hikes
and US dollar strength undermining
Can provide you with all the Blending, Bagging
Weighcont Blender
* Capacity of 20 to 200 ton per hour.
* Unlimited number of hoppers.
* Computer controlled.
* Custom built.
Fertilizer Inhibitor Treating Unit
* Portable.
* Stainless steel.
* Computer controlled.
* High Capacity -
120 m³ per hour.
EMT
Molenpad 10, 1756 EE ‘t Zand
The Nederlands.
Tel.+31 (0) 224 591213
email: emt@emt.tech
www.emt.tech
North America, augmenting cooling Record power and gas prices are
demand, restricting hydroelectric and already raising fears for the upcoming
heating season in the northern
nuclear power plant operations and
disrupting inland fossil fuel deliveries hemisphere. Energy rationing
in some cases. Fortunately, summer across industrial and commercial
extremes are easing, although the consumers is already on the cards in
impact of resultant elevated Atlantic Europe, while hurricanes and Asian
seasonal restocking could ration
seawater temperatures may spill into
the autumn. Together with an ongoing Europe’s access to LNG. Thankfully,
La Niña, these could contribute to expectations for northern hemisphere
an Atlantic hurricane season that, winter temperatures for now look
according to the US National Oceanic benign, even if that may be cold
and Atmospheric Administration comfort for consumers already facing
(NOAA), has a 60% probability of crippling increases in energy bills.
The Doyle and EMT Alliance
and Transport equipment you need.
High Speed Bagging Line
* For big bags - jumbo bags.
* Capacity 50 to 70 ton m³ per hour.
* 120 kg to 1250 kg bags.
* Suitable for granular and powder materials.
* Available with dust reducing system.
Shamrock Blender
* Capacity of 25 to 70 ton/m³ per hour.
* Machine size 4,5-5,4-7-9-11,5-14 ton.
* Easy and gentle blending process.
* Blending and weighing are separated.
Doyle Equipment Manufacturing
1 Jack Doyle Industrial Drive,
Palmyra, MO. 63461 USA.
Tel. +1(217) 222-1592 & +1(573) 300-4009
doyle@doylemfg.com, www.doylemfg.com

Fertilizer Focus 28 29 September/October 2022

FEATURE MARKET ANALYSIS Shipping news Shipping news MARKET ANALYSIS

FREIGHT RATES
POTASH Price type Units Timing Low High Date
Dry potash Vancouver - China 60-65kt outright USD/t prompt 26 28 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Red Sea - WC India 25-30kt outright USD/t prompt 30 32 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Baltic Sea - Brazil 30-40kt outright USD/t prompt 29 51 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Baltic Sea - SE Asia 25-30kt outright USD/t prompt 68 119 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Vancouver - SE Asia 25-30kt outright USD/t prompt 74 76 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Baltic Sea - China 60-65kt outright USD/t prompt 46 81 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Baltic Sea - US Nola 50-55kt outright USD/t prompt 27 47 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Vancouver - Brazil 30-35kt outright USD/t prompt 62 64 25-Aug-22
Dry potash Hamburg - Brazil 30-35kt outright USD/t prompt 23 25 25-Aug-22

SULPHUR Units Low High Date

Shipping and trade news

50-60kt – Vancouver-China USD/t 32 34 25-Aug-22
Below all 30-35kt
Mid East – EC India USD/t 27 29 25-Aug-22
Mid east – North/River China USD/t 36 38 25-Aug-22
Mid East – South China USD/t 31 34 25-Aug-22
Mid East – Brazil USD/t 35 37 25-Aug-22
Mid East – North Africa USD/t 34 48 25-Aug-22
Egypt signs agreements According to SCEZ, UAE-based Alcazar producer ReNew Power said that it
Mid East – South Africa USD/t 27 28 25-Aug-22
Energy intends to build “an industrial would build a 220,000 t/yr renewable
for clean H2 projects complex for green fuel production” of hydrogen plant in the economic zone. Black Sea – North Africa USD/t 60 90 25-Aug-22
The General Authority for the Suez 230,000 t/yr, investing USD2bn. Black Sea – Brazil USD/t 70 100 25-Aug-22
Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ) has The IEA said in June that Egypt could
Baltic – Brazil USD/t 60 95 25-Aug-22
signed seven new initial agreements UK investment firm Actis said be among the African countries with
it is pursuing “green hydrogen the lowest renewable hydrogen Baltic – North Africa USD/t 50 60 25-Aug-22
on projects for production of clean
hydrogen and “green fuels”, with total development” in the area. The production costs, as it can draw 35-40kt – US Gulf - Brazil USD/t 28 30 25-Aug-22

investments expected at over USD32
bn.
Indian renewable developer Acme
Cleantech Solutions and UK-based
Globeleq, which focuses on power
production in Africa, are planning by
far the largest of the seven projects.
Acme is looking to build a plant
that could produce 2.2 mn t/yr of
renewable hydrogen on a 4.5 mn
m² site in Ain Sokhna, for a total
investment of USD13 bn, according
to SCEZ. Globeleq plans to invest
USD11 bn to build “a green fuel
production plant” with a “capacity of
2 mn t annually”, SCEZ said, without
specifying the targeted product.
Neither Acme nor Globeleq were
immediately available to provide
further information.
The third-largest investment is to
come from Saudi-Arabian construction
company Alfanar. The firm said it is
targetting a USD4 bn project that could
produce 100,000 t/yr of hydrogen and
500,000 t/yr of ammonia.
agreement with the Egyptian
government gives the firm “an entry
point into what could be one of the
largest hydrogen markets in the
region”, Actis said. According to
SCEZ, the MoU with Actis foresees
an investment of USD1.5 bn and
production capacity of 200,000 t/yr.
The other two agreements were signed
with project developer Mediterranean
Energy Partners (MEP) and UAE-based
K&K Global Company. MEP said it
aims to produce 120,000 t/yr of clean
ammonia in Ain Sokhna from the end
of 2025 using renewable energy and
desalinated sea water. SCEZ said
the company will invest USD250mn.
K&K intends to produce 230,000 t/
yr of hydrogen, SCEZ said, without
specifying the investment.
The flurry of new agreements
follows eight agreements that had
already been signed “in the field of
localising and manufacturing green
fuels”, according to SCEZ. The latest
announcement had been made in late
July, when Indian renewable energy
on ample solar and wind power
generation capacity.
Japanese firms study
ammonia floating storage
for power
A group of Japanese companies is
developing an ammonia floating
storage and regasification barge
(A-FSRB) to encourage domestic power
firms to push ahead with ammonia co-
firing power generation.
Japanese shipping firm Nippon Yusen
Kaisha (NYK), shipbuilder Nihon
Shipyard, classification society Class
NK and engineering company IHI have
agreed to jointly research and develop
the A-FSRB, aiming to prompt use of
fuel-use ammonia, especially for co-
firing at existing thermal plants.
The A-FSRB is an offshore floating
facility that can receive and store
ammonia transported by vessels
in liquid form. It then sends the
ammonia to onshore pipelines after
regasification. The facility supports
power plants to use fuel-use ammonia,
which is easier than building new
infrastructure onshore, such as storage
tanks and regasification units, with
lower costs, NYK said.
An initial discussion was announced in
August 2020 by NYK, shipbuilder Japan
Marine United (JMU) and Class NK,
aiming for stable supplies of fuel-use
ammonia and cutting greenhouse gas
emissions from the shipping sector.
Nihon Shipyard is a joint venture
between JMU and fellow shipbuilder
Imabari Shipbuilding.
IHI joined the project with its ammonia
handling technology for ships, as
well as ammonia co-firing at thermal
power plants. NYK, IHI’s wholly own
subsidiary IHI Power Systems and
Class NK are planning to launch
the country’s first ammonia-fuelled
vessel, a tugboat that will operate
at Yokohama port in Tokyo bay. Trial
operations are expected to start during
the April 2024-March 2025 fiscal year.
The tugboat will be modified from one
that currently burns LNG as a marine
fuel.
IHI started a demonstration project
last October to co-fire ammonia
with domestic power firm Jera at its
Hekinan coal-fired power plant. The
companies are targeting commercial
co-firing of ammonia at a 20% rate for
power generation at the power plant
from 2024-25 onwards.
Yara performs first
fertilizer cabotage in Brazil
Norwegian fertilizer producer Yara
performed the first fertilizer shipment
by cabotage operation in Brazil.
The company transported 15,000 t of
its YaraBasa fertilizer line, a mix of
NPK and potassium nitrate, from its
pier at Rio Grande port in southern Rio
Grande do Sul state to its blending
unit in Sao Luis in north-eastern
Maranhao state.
The supply will go to producers in
Matopiba — a region that includes
Maranhao, Tocantins, Piaui and Bahia
states — especially for soybean crops.
The operation will increase producers’
supply options for a secure supply
chain and accelerate agricultural
development in Brazil’s northern
region, Yara said. It will also transform
Rio Grande into a major hub for the
company to ship its specialty nutrition
solutions to ports all over the country.
Cabotage operations became viable
in Brazil after the BR do Mar project,
which aims to create a balance in
the country’s transport mix. Under
the programme, companies do not
need to own fleets for waterborne

Fertilizer Focus 30 31 September/October 2022

 MARKET ANALYSIS Shipping news

DI VA
GR CO LAB
S I
A

shipping within the country. BR do Mar
also reduced the additional freight
rate for renovation of the merchant
fleet (AFRMM), a tax charged by
Brazil’s federal government on top of
international freight rates.
OU UN LE
P TS
far eastern coast of North America, the The consignment of urea fertilizer
company said. Cross River is speaking was officially handed over by India’s
with major players in numerous High Commissioner to Sri Lanka,
industries and expects one of its likely Gopal Bagley.
customers to be the heavy marine The High Commission of India 34th Annual

shipping sector, the company said.
Belledune is a deep water, all-weather
port, which makes it accessible for
Cross River to export
Argus Fertilizer
in Colombo said: “Adding to
the fragrance of friendship and
cooperation. High Commissioner
formally handed over 21,000 t of

ammonia from New
Brunswick port
Connecticut-headquartered
sustainable infrastructure developer
Cross River Infrastructure Partners
today agreed with the Port of
Belledune in New Brunswick, Canada,
to develop a facility for the export of
clean ammonia.
Cross River plans to build a 200MW
green hydrogen plant, which the
company expects will come on line
by 2027. The hydrogen will be used to
produce clean ammonia, which Cross
large and heavily loaded ships, and
allows for usage across all seasons.
Cross River plans to produce hydrogen
from zero-emissions power sources
from government-owned utility
NBPower, the company said.
Sri Lanka receives second
fertilizer shipment from
India
Sri Lanka has received the second
shipment of over 21,000 t of fertilizer
supplied under India’s financial
Europe Conference
fertilizer supplied under India’s
special support to the people of Sri
Lanka.
“This follows 44,000 t supplied last
month under Indian support totalling
about USD4 bn in 2022.
17 - 19 October 2022
“The fertilizer will contribute to food Madrid, Spain
security and support the farmers
of Sri Lanka. It demonstrates
benefits to the people from close
ties with India and mutual trust and
goodwill.”
When the shipment of 44,000 t
had arrived in July, Agriculture

The biggest fertilizer trading

River expects to export to Europe assistance to the people of the island
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said

600+
because of Belledune’s location on a nation.
that it would be distributed to the
agricultural service centres soon.

NITROGEN/UREA Units Low High Date While addressing Parliament, the

Minister said that Sri Lanka was
event in Europe ATTENDEES
Middle East - US Gulf 45kt USD/t 52 57 25-Aug-22
grateful to India which had helped
Middle East - Thailand 30kt USD/t 35 37 25-Aug-22
the country that was going through a Companies that previously
Middle East - Brazil 40kt USD/t 41 45 25-Aug-22 difficult time.
attended include: Sponsorship
Baltic - Brazil 30kt USD/t 85 90 25-Aug-22
“The government of India had
Ameropa • Antonio Tarazona • ANWIL • DF GRUPO • Elixir
and exhibition

300+
China - India 60kt USD/t 16 19 25-Aug-22
Algeria - Brazil 30kt USD/t 35 37 25-Aug-22
supplied the fertilizer ship to Sri Zorka • EMT - Manufacturer of Blending Bagging and opportunities:
Lanka, which had been ordered for Transport equipment • Fertiberia • Fertilizers Europe Promote your brand or services
Algeria - French bay 12kt USD/t 44 46 25-Aug-22 use in India,” he added. • Grupa Azoty • Heliopotasse • HELM • ICL Europe • to 600+ attendees, including
Baltic - EC Mexico 30kt USD/t 90 95 25-Aug-22 ING Bank • K+S KALI • Koch Fertilizer International • the industry’s biggest producers,
COMPANIES
The Sri Lankan government has
Baltic - WC Mexico 25kt USD/t 100 105 25-Aug-22
distributed the Indian fertilizer to Maschinenfabrik Koeppern • Saudi Arabian Mining Co. distributors and traders from across
(Ma’aden) • TEOFERT • Tessenderlo Kerley International the supply chain. Argus Fertilizer
paddy and maize farmers for the
PHOSPHATES Units Low High Date • Westland Horticulture Limited • Adriatica • Arab Potash Europe gives you a unique platform
Yala season, one of the two seasons
Company • Blue Chem AdBlue • BNP Paribas • Borealis to raise the profile of your company.
Morocco – Brazil 30kt USD/t 27 29 25-Aug-22 during which rice and vegetables are
LAT • CF Industries • CZAV • Euroports • Fertinagro
Tampa – Brazil 30kt USD/t 36 38 25-Aug-22 cultivated. Biotech • Haifa Group • Indo-Jordan Chemicals Company Contact George Ade-onojobi:

50+
KSA – EC India 30kt USD/t 27 29 25-Aug-22 Experts and farmers have blamed • Medifer Iberian Company • Neelam Aqua & Speciality T: +86 13 2627 83062
Chem • North Sea Port • OCI Fertilizer Trading & Supply • E: sponsorship@argusmedia.com
former President Gotabaya
Ricardo AEA • Salt Lake Potash • SEA-Tank Terminal and for more information
AMMONIA Units Low High Date Rajapaksa’s overnight decision to
Yuzhny - Morocco , 23kt USD/t 33.75 42 25-Aug-22 convert chemical fertilizer farming to many more... COUNTRIES
Ras al Khair - South Korea, 23kt USD/t 85 90 25-Aug-22 organic in April 2021.
Co-host sponsors Gold sponsors Silver sponsors Associate sponsors
Ras al Khair - WC India, 23kt USD/t 17 25 25-Aug-22 Although the decision was reversed,
Ras al Khair - EC India, 23kt USD/t 29 44 25-Aug-22 Sri Lanka with no dollar reserves,
Point Lisas - East Asia, 23kt USD/t 115 125 25-Aug-22 could not import fertilizer and many
Point Lisas - US Gulf, 23kt USD/t 25 45 25-Aug-22 farmers had to give up farming
leading to shortages of food –
Point Lisas - NW Europe, 23kt USD/t 52 62 25-Aug-22
particularly rice - supply to the
Bontang - East Asia , 23kt USD/t 30 48 25-Aug-22
country. Impact for a sustainable future

Fertilizer Focus 32 33 September/October 2022

Register online now - www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer-europe
 MARKET ANALYSIS Price watch Price watch MARKET ANALYSIS

Price watch PHOSPHATES prices lower. But the window for buying will soon begin
to tighten ahead of the rabi season. India and Pakistan
are expected to purchase substantial volumes of DAP in
US spring consumption expected to the coming months, before the rabi season begins. Major
normalise producing regions in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Russia and China
These market insights are provided by Argus Fertilizer Analytics team Phosphate prices are dropping in both MAP and DAP are all competing to service south Asian demand, despite
markets, with activity east and west of Suez largely limited buying activity and the quota limitations on Chinese
concentrated and limited. There is an absence of bids in exports. This is expected to continue driving prices down.
Brazil and lower-than-expected activity across the Indian
AMMONIA stability. September is likely to be that point at which a
fresh purchasing round is enacted, and the market length subcontinent, which is pushing prices lower even though
Fob prices across the major producers are forecast to
consistently and incrementally drop over the forecast period,
will be tested. At this point we would expect lower export the de-facto quotas placed on Chinese MAP, DAP and TSP except for a rollover in September-October to reflect delayed
Fresh demand from northern hemisphere volumes from the US as its domestic application season exports have tightened both markets. But it can be argued demand emerging during a narrow deficit. Any uptick is
Demand weakness is the driving force in the market and with begins and the balance in the west will tighten as Europe that these quotas have helped slow the speed of price expected to be offset by concentrated supply competition
it we are anticipating relative stability ahead of us. The latest seeks alternative supply sources. As ever, and as signalled by softening. in the near term. We forecast DAP fob prices to drop further
round of ammonia price increases in northwest Europe in the recent supply agreement between Sabic and OCP, there following a global DAP trade surplus developing from
Overall we forecast that prices will drop incrementally across
the wake of the most recent feedstock cost spike shut in a will be pressure on vessel availability as more frequently November onwards.
the board throughout the rest of 2022 and the first half of
sizeable but unknown volume of ammonia, and downstream, vessels are chartered for long-haul voyages so that producers
2023 because of limited activity and reduced competition
production. And where producers have elected to continue can capitalise on higher-priced markets in the west. The or buying urgency in several regions. But there are certain
to run downstream production, several have switched out remainder of 2022 will continue to be defined by wide and
ammonia production for lower-cost imports. But buyers have disconnected price ranges. caveats to highlight. POTASH
built up a healthy import line-up and covered requirements Prices are consistently falling in Latin America, despite a
for the months ahead, thereby minimising pressure. Unlike The fourth quarter will be a testing time for consumers. The narrow MAP deficit lasting until November. We expect the Suppliers to Brazil eye other markets
in previous periods of feedstock cost volatility when regional northern hemisphere fertilizer season will commence and deficit in September and October is distorted by the arrival Market pressure remains, and buyers are bidding lower while
import costs rose to incentivise production, import costs bring with it a fresh round of demand requirements. Coupled of preconcluded sales and Chinese export quotas, which
with the strong likelihood that European feedstock costs suppliers are trying hard to hang on to their current offer
are at an approximate USD1,000/t discount to production disproportionally effect MAP exports during unseasonal levels. The Brazilian granular MOP assessment has slipped
costs as global weakness outside of Europe has minimised will persist at current levels and prompt further production periods. As a result, the apparent deficit does not
the extent to which ammonia prices could rise. European curtailments in the region, resulting in a higher regional import adequately represent the price sentiment that we expect to USD880-920/t cfr, as weak demand, low domestic prices
import prices are therefore slowly converging to fob prices requirement, demand will surpass market supply. Additional for those months. We forecast incremental drops across and high inventories continue to place downwards pressure
as the brief respite in demand requirements allows import import requirements for Europe will largely be dependent the forecast period, with the largest drop in MAP Brazil cfr on import prices. The lack of buying interest in Brazil has
benchmark prices to subside. And adding to price pressure on producer strategies and downstream product prices, and occurring in February, as a result of a significant surplus led some suppliers to divert cargoes or focus on sales to
is the steady shipment of additional US export cargoes that whether downstream production continues to run. The outlook developing on the back of lower demand and reduced other destinations, such as the US and southeast Asia, but
are finding a home in Europe and north Africa. for industrial demand is not healthy – producer margins are there are few markets showing strong demand. The only
Chinese MAP exports.
coming under pressure and product prices from oversupply. exceptions are India and China, where the current price level
Demand suppression is not limited to Europe. Inflationary But some producers such as BASF insist that downstream Nola DAP prices in the US are similarly expected to drop of USD590/t cfr is deemed too unattractive for suppliers’
pressures, currency devaluations and oversupply in chemicals production will continue to run. And nitrogen incrementally over the forecast period, but we expect less of market drivers Belaruskali’s rail shipments to Russian ports
downstream sectors are all supressing buyers’ appetite products, i.e. urea and nitrates products, should support a straightforward price evolution. We expect prices will more for export in July more than doubled on the month to over
and creating length in the global market. India has been some level of continued production but most likely will be closely reflect the US domestic DAP balance, rather than the 200,000t. This represents its highest monthly volume of rail
somewhat precautionary with its buying in recent weeks. fed by lower-cost ammonia imports as opposed to integrated global balance, because of Nola DAP’s more isolated market shipments to Russian ports this year. Most of the volume
But lower-cost Chinese supply is minimising some of these production where possible for producers. nature. So despite a global DAP surplus in the first quarter of is moving to the ports of St Petersburg and Novorossiysk,
pressures. And the start of India’s rabi season, coupled with 2023, we forecast Nola DAP prices will increase because of a
From the second quarter of 2023 and into the second half though Belaruskali also railed product to Astrakhan port for
the strong chance that domestic ammonia production will local deficit in January-April. the first time.
be constrained by lower LNG availability, should balance the of the year, we are anticipating significant supply length to
aforementioned factors that are weighing on demand, and build and a downwards correction in prices, which will gain In Latin America, Brazil remains quiet. Importers have yet to Germany’s K+S has revised its 2022 fertilizer sales forecast
support normal buying levels. East Asian demand though momentum. The impact of some incremental volumes from step in and are keen to keep pushing prices down. But there to 7.5mn t, from 7.7mn t, as it expects prices to remain
does continue to be pressured by weak downstream prices NCIC’s new ammonia plant will be felt in the market. And there are signs that farmer offtake for safra could be starting to elevated, which may reduce demand, while lower natural gas
during an oversupply, and buyers have retreated from the is a strong possibility that performance tests at Gulf Coast deplete the high stock levels that are currently supporting availability may also impact its production.
market. Significant supply length in the region is building Ammonia’s 1.3mn t/yr unit will begin in the first quarter of a lack of liquidity. Chinese export quotas will keep markets
and an outage at Indonesia’s Pupuk Kaltim’s 5 ammonia unit 2023, implying that the unit could be running at close to full relatively tight and will be a primary dampener in preventing
production capacity by the end of the year. Russian ammonia
is only aiding the balance to a small extent.
finding its way to non-domestic markets is expected to increase
a sharp drop in prices.
SULPHUR
For now, the market finds itself in a period of illiquidity, stunted Across the Atlantic, European demand remains largely non-
in volume slowly over the next 12 months but will be limited to
by weaker demand requirements and the most recent round of
overland deliveries and routes via the Baltic. Some support will
existent outside of small volume sales. We expect a return of Prices may soften through the fourth quarter
price increases. And until fresh demand requirements emerge, European buying from October but the demand landscape
be lent to values by high European feedstock costs; Argus is not Weakness in downstream markets continues to be a driving
either prompted by the start of the northern hemisphere’s has not yet solidified, especially as high ammonia and
expecting TTF monthly average prices to fall below USD30/mn force for sulphur prices for August. Supply losses from
fertilizer season, a recovery in industrial demand – which is not natural gas prices are set to drive further volatility.
Btu in 2023. But in periods of weak demand and oversupply, Kazakhstan and Russia are largely being offset by reductions
considered likely at this point
international benchmarks will disconnect from the marginal Looking east of Suez, India is currently the sole source of to processed phosphate production in north Africa and rising
– or by further production curtailments if European feedstock cost to produce in Europe and producers will increasingly activity in the phosphates market. Pakistan remains on the sulphur supply from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Floater
costs persist at these levels, the market will find some switch to lower-cost imports in favour of production. sidelines, content for Indian importers to continue to grind sulphur vessels previously heading to China with no buyers

Fertilizer Focus 34 35 September/October 2022

 MARKET ANALYSIS Price watch
attached are now understood to have been placed, but
there is little demand from Chinese buyers for fresh cargoes
from the global market, dampening the near-term view for
pricing.
Moroccan fertilizer producer OCP has renegotiated its
third quarter contract price with Middle East suppliers
at USD70-120/t cfr. Suppliers accepted the need for this
unprecedented renegotiation after sulphur lost around
80% of its value in just a few weeks. The Middle East and
Vancouver fob prices fell by USD334/t and USD348/t,
respectively, during July, a rate of softening not seen since
2008, according to Argus records.
We forecast some stability to return in the coming months
as pricing appears to have reached a floor and sulphur
buyers are likely to seek to take advantage of the lowest
prices since the fourth quarter of 2020. The outlook
for processed phosphate prices is weak. India and
Pakistan will need to procure product for the upcoming
Rabi application season, but we expect demand to fall
significantly once this buying is complete. This is likely to
lead to lower sulphur prices further into the first quarter of
2023, but at a slow rate of decline because of the losses
already seen this quarter. New Moroccan phosphate
capacity should support sulphur demand by the second
quarter of 2023, while the normalisation of Chinese
fertilizer exports should help firm China cfr sulphur prices.
In eastern Europe, the cost of inland freight remains
elevated, making some routes unworkable. At current
pricing, availability from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and
potentially Kazakhstan may be reduced in favour of
product being put into storage on a large scale. Logistics
in the Black Sea remain constrained, with several bulk
commodities continuing to overwhelm transport routes
from non-Russian ports. Any exports making their way from
Kavkaz will cease in the fourth quarter, as the Volga-Don
barging route closes for winter.
In terms of near-term demand, Indonesian nickel producer
PT Huayue Nickel-Cobalt has been in the market for a spot
sulphur delivery for August. An increase in market activity
is supporting our expectation for a partial start-up of a new
sulphur burner at the firm’s Sulawesi site in the second half
of this year, before full capacity is achieved in 2023. The
sulphur burner is expected to have the capacity to produce
1.8mn t/ yr of sulphuric acid, requiring 600,000 t/yr of
sulphur.
Addressing the macroeconomic picture, the risk of global
recession is growing, with the World Bank and IMF both
talking openly of the potential for a protracted downturn
through 2023. Under a scenario where global GDP growth
falls to just below 1%, oil demand growth would slide to
400,000 b/d. We continue to monitor a scenario where
demand for oil and oil products could be slashed, as
refinery utilisation would fall, reducing the availability of
sulphur.
Fertilizer Focus
FEATURE
NITROGEN/UREA
Potential upside demand from India
The fragility and volatility of the urea market were
demonstrated in July by a brief drop in prices to their
lowest point of the year, brought about by aggressive
offers from a trader in the Indian tender. But renewed
concern about gas prices in Europe pulled prices back up
at the end of the month, with July ending close to where it
began.
We expect the same volatility to remain a feature of the
market in the coming months. In effect, there is a tug of
war between increased European import demand acting
to pull up prices and lower demand/buyer resistance
pulling down prices in other regions.
We estimate that more than 300,000 t/month of
European production has been cut through plant closures
or reduced capacity working. This has to be replaced by
imports from outside the region. In addition, it is likely
that nitrate fertilizer output has been cut by European
producers, some of which will be replaced by imported
urea.
The region has begun to attract urea from sources other
than north Africa, with central Asian, two Middle East
cargoes, and several Iranian, Nigerian and US shipments
booked for July-August. Given a differential of more than
USD200/t with southeast Asia, one freight inquiry has
also circulated for a cargo from Malaysia. Freight and
duty disadvantages would normally discourage supply to
Europe from these sources.
Outside Europe, prices are very sticky upwards, buyers
wary of overpaying for urea and demand deferral and
destruction evident owing to high prices. Import demand
is running at least 10% lower in many markets in 2022,
compared with the previous year, with reports of 20-30%
decreases in some countries where financing trade has
become problematic.
This suggests that large differentials between regions will
persist in the second half of the year.
China presents an additional complicating factor. Urea
exports were reported at only 725,000t in the first half of
2022, down from 2.425mn t in the same period of 2021.
Export restrictions are expected to remain in place at least
until May 2023.
Domestic prices are low as a result of limited exports
Supplement
causing domestic oversupply, equivalent to USD380-390/t
fob at present, leaving a huge incentive to export where
EUROPE FOCUS >
possible and hindering attempts to increase prices in Asia.
Our trade balance forecast shows the urea market moving
into deficit from September onwards until January and
the overall direction of prices should be upwards. But the
trajectory is unlikely to be smooth.
36 37 September/October 2022
FEATURE European markets
The Russia/Ukraine
crisis and the impact
on the ammonia and
urea markets
Written by
Mike Nash, Senior Editor, Argus Fertilizer, Argus Media, UK
The immediate impact on global
fertilizer and raw materials markets
following the onset of the Russia/
Ukraine crisis was substantial
given the strategic importance
of Ukraine, Russia and the wider
Black Sea as a supplier of nitrogen,
phosphates, ammonia and sulphur.
Fears over supply coupled with a
massive spike in gas feedstock
costs (particularly felt by high-
cost producers on nitrogen in
Europe) saw fertilizer prices rise
exponentially.
In truth, this paper argues that,
with the exception of elevated
European gas prices impacting
regional supply and bolstering
north African urea prices, the
impact for the medium term has
peaked. Markets, like life, “find
a way”. Trade routes may have
changed as Russia has rerouted its
products to friendlier, non-western
countries such as India and Brazil.
But the fundamental supply of
fertilizers has been impacted only
minimally and most fertilizer prices
are now in steady retreat.
Fertilizer Focus
It is important to stress that no formal
sanctions on Russian fertilizers exist
anywhere in the world
Political ramifications
It is important to stress at the
outset that no formal sanctions on
Russian fertilizers exist anywhere in
the world. The individual heads of
PhosAgro, EuroChem and UralChem
were all initially targeted by the
EU with personal sanctions. Most
subsequently resigned from their
posts or sold their stakes in the
companies affected. Russia responded
on 10 March by limiting fertilizer
exports and President Putin warned
of higher fertilizer prices if Russian
supply chains were disrupted. In truth
Russian suppliers are still open to
selling for export.
More importantly, there was a high
degree of ‘self-sanctioning’ imposed
by western entities concerned over
reputational risk, difficulties in
38
financing and the fact that many
buyers were not psychologically
ready to take Russian product.
In this paper we will concentrate
mainly on ammonia and nitrogen -
these markets were the most affected
by the Russia/Ukraine crisis.
Ammonia supply
The ammonia market was the most
affected of all fertilizer markets. With
Russia accounting for 20% of the
merchant ammonia market, large
buyers of Russian ammonia were
forced to find alternative supplies
following the closure of the 2.4mn
t/yr Pivdenny (Odessa) ammonia
pipeline which runs from Togliatti in
Russia through Ukraine to the Black
Sea.
European markets FEATURE
US ammonia
demand was hit by
Figure 1. Russia/Ukraine ammonia pipeline route
poor weather and
weak Asian uptake
This deprived phosphate producers
in North Africa, Turkey and India
of 200,000t/month of valuable
feedstock. Russian producers
TogliattiAzot and Rossosh both
announced significant production
curtailments and pushed material at
domestic markets.
On 11 March BASF denied EuroChem
access to its Antwerp ammonia Source: Xxx
terminal (used by EuroChem to supply
its Belgian and Lithuanian fertilizer
plants). UralChem and EuroChem
loadings were hampered by sanctions. Figure 2. Ammonia price comparison ($/t)
OPZ mothballed its ammonia facilities
in Ukraine.
Rising gas prices forced European
producers to curtail ammonia output.
Yara slowed ammonia production
by more than half in early March,
most notably in France and Italy.
The producer also stopped sourcing
external ammonia from suppliers
linked to Russia. Producers in Croatia,
Hungary and Romania also halted
output.
Prices soared, reaching new records
in several regions. But as March gave
way to April, the supply began to
improve in southeast Asia and the
Source: Argus
Middle East. OCP bought more on
the spot market to cover lost contract
cargoes. And Trinidadian cargoes
also moved to Europe. Mid-April saw
prices in northwest Europe begin to
fob price), but as prices fell back, Nitrogen outlook
buyers withdrew. US ammonia
edge down, aided by more stable gas Having already seen a massive spike
demand was hit by poor weather and
prices. Two cargoes from Acron to in urea prices in the fourth quarter
Asian industrial demand was weak.
Yara were cancelled due to sanctions of 2021 due to reduced Chinese
The northwest European price has
on Acron’s largest shareholder and supply and high gas costs, the onset
loadings slowed from Ventspils remained at a premium to the rest of of the Russia/Ukraine crisis gave
and Sillamae in the Baltic with no the world on high feedstock costs but the nitrogen sector its second major
shipments from late February (leading most other prices have fallen back to external shock in a matter of weeks.
to Argus suspending its Baltic Sea pre-conflict levels (see figure 2). Urea was not specifically sanctioned
39 September/October 2022
FEATURE European market
Freight rates to
Latin America
for example had
doubled by April
as a product, but Russian exporters
initially found it very difficult to
maintain normal trade flows.
Sanctions also deterred buyers from
importing Russian urea and many
are effectively self-sanctioning.
Supply was further hampered by
struggles to find vessels to load
urea in Baltic and Black Sea. Freight
rates to Latin America for example
doubled by April. Movement out of
non-Russian ports, namely Kotka,
Sillamae, Muuga and Riga, slowed
considerably particularly following
Finland’s decision to block access
to its ports in late March. Notably,
Finland announced it would no
longer allow Russian freight traffic
across its territory, stopping urea
supply from Kotka in April. Later
that month Russian producers
stopped urea deliveries to all non-
Russian ports in the Baltic.
Prices globally spiked immediately
following the onset of the crisis.
US barges rose to a 30-year high
climbing to around USD910/st fob
Nola at the end of March. Buyers
competed for alternative supplies of
urea, UAN and amsul. Prices in Latin
America surged past USD1,100/t cfr.
However, fairly soon a two-tier price
structure emerged with Russian
urea trading 25% below the market
level in order to attract buyers
and offset rising freight rates.
Argus consulting estimated that
increased freight and discounted
offers reduced netbacks to Russian
producers by around USD250/t or
30% during April.
A month into the crisis the rate
of price ascent slowed. US and
Brazilian prices were solidly in
four-digit territory and the supply
Fertilizer Focus
Figure 3. Urea price hikes 4Q 2021 – 3Q 2022 (USD/t)
The main concern for high-cost nitrogen
fertilizer and ammonia producers is the
cost of gas
from Russia was still problematic.
Demand destruction at such high
prices was now evident. The two-tier
pricing out of the Baltic continued
with those suppliers not subject
to sanctions offering at USD900/t
fob for urea while Russian product
was on offer at USD700/t fob.
By early April, however, liquidity
had stalled, prices were flat, then
reversed. Russian supply was also
far more evident. By mid-April
demand evaporated, urea prices
fell (US domestic prices fell 15% in
a week). Brazil was also weaker.
Russia moved more granular urea
to regional distribution systems
but also found ways to work
around sanctions by increasing
their shipments to ‘friendlier
countries’. Evidence of this was
Russian deliveries of urea to
seaports surging in June (reaching
their highest level since the crisis
began at 706,000t). Moreover,
40
xxx FEATURE
RE SE SAV
23 N D
G I PT E
A
ST E M $4
E R B 00
BY ER
Argus Fertilizer Africa
Conference
Source: Argus
8 - 10 FEBRUARY 2023
Nairobi, Kenya
The African fertilizer market’s key industry
meeting point for trade and insight returns
larger volumes moved via Ust Luga
as Russia no longer had access to
Latvian an Estonian ports.
Access • Affordability • Sustainability
Sponsorship and exhibition
Rising import demand opportunities:
Three days of networking and content insight
Fertilizer prices have largely Position yourself amongst leaders in the African
into the latest market developments and fertilizer market using our unique platform to raise
retreated to pre-conflict levels. The
main concern for high-cost nitrogen
dynamics for the African fertilizer market. the profile of your company, your products or your
services.
fertilizer and ammonia producers
is the cost of gas, particularly
Contact George Ade-onojobi:
in Europe. Argus estimates that T: +86 13 2627 83062
around 300,000t/month of urea Hear from key fertilizer industry leaders in E: sponsorship@argusmedia.com
capacity was off line at the time of Africa as well as ministerial representatives for more information
writing due to high gas prices. This
for discussions on the hottest topics for the
is boosting import demand and
market. Silver sponsor
volatility in the gas market and will
periodically mean increased import
demand. There is also evidence
of product substitutability – with
nitrates prices so high, buyers are Network and build relationships across the
importing more competitively prices value chain for fertilizers in Africa, including
urea into Europe, which is boosting international and regional attendees.
import demand even further.
41 September/October 2022
Register online now - www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer-africa
FEATURE EU regulation
EU regulation update:
Innovative fertilizing
products
CMC14 pyrolysis materials in practice
Written by
Edward Someus, Upcycling Engineer, 3R-BioPhosphate, Hungary
The Fertilizing Products Regulation
(EU) 2019/1009 defined a new CMC14
component material category and
added pyrolysis materials for EU
innovative fertilizing products as of
(EU)2021/2088 (7/7/2021) applied
from 16 July 2022. The new EU
Fertilizer Regulation will boost the
large-scale production and single
market deployment of innovative
fertilizers.
The EU’s circular economy initiative
will also boost the uptake of such
products. The better use of EU
resources is an urgent matter. Europe
is facing raw material and energy
supply challenges and prolonged
disruptions which have increased the
price of the imported non-renewable
fertilizers. The COVID-19 pandemic,
climate change and the geopolitical
instability are putting agriculture
under extreme pressure with
significantly increased energy and
fertilizer costs.
The CMC14 rules that both pyrolysis/
gasification materials must be
obtained through thermochemical
conversion under oxygen-
Fertilizer Focus
The CMC14 is creating new bio-based
value chain that open new market space
limiting conditions, under REACH
(EC)1907/2006.
Pyrolysis materials follow specific
labelling rules for EC-fertilizer products
and are subject to a conformity
assessment procedure including
a quality system assessed and
approved by EU Notified Body to make
certification and surveillance audit of
the quality management system under
the (EU)2019/1009.
Thermal processing
Pyrolysis is thermal processing of
carbonaceous (carbon-based) raw
materials under the absence of
air. Core processing temperatures
are between 350°C to 850°C with
the prime aim to produce refined
and porous solid carbon pyrolysis
materials for wide range of CMC14
agricultural biofertilizer products with
42
industrial applications. There is an
existing and growing market demand
for CMC14 pyrolysis materials to
provide nutrients to soil and improve
nutrition efficiency.
For the compatible use of CM14 input
materials a wide range of biomass
streams can be used, such as living
or dead organisms or parts thereof,
which are unprocessed or processed.
Animal by-product Category-2 or
Category-3 input materials or derived
products thereof are also allowed by
(EU)2019/1009 and compatible with
EC fertilizing products in accordance
with the conditions set out in Article
32(1), (2) and 5(2) of the EC Regulation
No 1069/2009. However, materials
originating from mixed municipal
waste, sewage sludge, industrial
sludge and/or dredging sludge
are excluded from CMC14 use. The
production lines for the processing of
EU is a considerable
net-importer of
phosphate rock
with 84% import
reliance
CMC14 materials shall be separated
from production lines for the
processing of other input materials. The
physical contact between input/output
materials must also be avoided.
The soil adaptation of the CMC14
pyrolysis materials is irrevocable,
therefore only controlled high
quality materials can be applied in
agriculture. CMC14 materials must
have a molar ratio of hydrogen (H) to
organic carbon (H/Corg) of less than 0.7.
Testing is performed in a dry and ash-
free fraction for materials that have an
organic carbon (Corg) content of less
than 50%. For maximum allowable
limits the EU regulation defines <6mg/
kg dry matter of PAH16 (PAH-sixteen
as of traditional US standards), 20 ng
WHO toxicity equivalents of PCDD/F/
kg dry matter and 0.8 mg/kg dry-
matter of ndl-PCB. However, in few EU
Member States agricultural regulations
apply stricter limits, such as 1 mg/kg
dry matter PAH19 (PAH-nineteen as of
updated EU limits).
The two most often used CMC14
pyrolysis products are Biochar and
BioPhosphate.
Biochar
Biochar is plant biomass based
stabile carbon and micro-porous
soil improver with high carbon
content that is pyrolysis processed
at 350°C to 450°C to reach sufficient
high user quality and safety. Plant
biomass based biochar processing
is endothermic, e.g. the reaction
uses more energy than it releases.
Biochar is a high carbon content
soil improver with no economically
BioPhosphate is unique quality animal bone char
interesting nutrient content and in all
cases is soil functional. The energetic
functional charcoal and labile carbon
hydro-char are not biochar products.
Biochar claimed PFC product function
category as of (EU) 2019/1009: PFC3
soil improver.
BioPhosphate
BioPhosphate is a unique quality
animal bone char that is processed
using the “3R” Recycle-Recover-Reuse
zero emission approach. An energy
self-sustaining exothermic pyrolysis
technology (IPR protected) at 850°C
(20 minutes). This high temperature
processing is required for animal
by-products. It is the pyrolysis bio-
oil <36MJ/kg high energy content
that makes is viable for surplus
bioenergy production as well. This
innovation is a high value-added
transformation of unexploited biomass
into new products, e.g. upcycling,
perceived to be of greater quality and
environmental/climate value with
second life and new function. The
input feed is food grade animal bone
meal that is steam thermal sterilized at
>133°C (20 minutes/3 bars) condition.
The output product is macro-porous
43
EU regulation FEATURE
calcium-phosphate bio-mineral with
economical high >35% P2O5 content,
which is than 3R biotech formulated
for creation of wide range of BIO-NPK-C
compound biofertilizers for organic and
low input farming applications. The
Biophosphate economical capacity is
>20,800 t/y/installation. Phosphorus
minerals come in two natural forms
(both have the same exceptional high
nutrient density >35% P2O5):
1. Mined mineral phosphate
rock: 84% imported Critical
Raw Material (COM)2020/474;
containing high levels of toxic
metals cadmium/uranium which
hazardous effects are enhanced
by chemical processing that is
highly environmental polluting
due to the use of chemicals, fossil
energy and drinking-water. It is also
non-renewable which presents a
supply security risk especially in
geopolitically challenging times.
2. Food grade animal bones: A
European renewable resource
that is zero emission and thermal
processed to Biophosphate with
high resource efficiency. There is
no use of any chemicals, external
energy or water.
September/October 2022
FEATURE EU regulation
Table 1. Characteristic comparison of CMC14 pyrolysis materials
Input feed material used:
Processing temperature:
Processing energy use:
Pyrolysis oil energy content:
Processing environmental performance:
Product composition:
Porosity structure:
Product functionality:
Agri application dose in soil:
Agronomics/economics:
There has been
a sharp increase
in fertilizer prices
and prices are
expected to
continue to rise
Competitive advantage
BioPhosphate is a radically new and
strategic innovation that has the
potential to have a transformative effect
on the economy and society in EU27
dimension and beyond with global
impacts as well. Developed between
2002-2022 under EU Commission
science-and-technology applied
research programmes, it is providing
high product differentiation that is
aiming for high value and competitive
advantage for buyers. The business
model is based on high tech innovation
in engineering and significant scientific
advances. The business replication on
an industrial scale is aiming to globally
create and operate a large number of
similar outlets. This is a ‘Blue Ocean’
Strategy that opens new market
Fertilizer Focus
EU regulation FEATURE
Table 2. Comparison of CMC14 pyrolysis material versus potential competitors with different solutions
Biochar BioPhosphate BioPhosphate Mineral phosphate Struvite Composted manure
Animal bone meal (all types), food grade, sterilized. Recovered bio-hydroxyapatite Mined hydroxyapatite. Recovered magnesium
Plant based agri/forestry by-products, wood, saw-dust Nutrient type Organic and inorganic
Unexploited biomass: ruminant bone meal Apatite type biofertiliser Apatite type mineral fertiliser ammonium phosphate
450°C material core 850°C material core P2O5 content 35% 35% 23% 3%
Exothermal: energy self-sustaining, releasing Application dose 400 kg/ha 300 kg/ha 1.200 kg/ha 20-50 tons/ha
Endothermal: require fossil fuel energy inputs
surplus bio-energy
Input material Food-grade bone meal Mined rock phosphate Municipal sewage water Animal manure*
14 MJ/kg - 18 MJ/kg 36 MJ/kg
Supply vulnerability Renewable Non-renewable CRM Renewable Renewable
Zero emission, all materials streams in any form
Emission release performer
upcycled Mineral phosphate EU27
>10% for total import ~1.6 million t/y P2O5 <1 % for total import <1 % for total import
import substitution
>90% high carbon content 92% calcium-phosphate mineral and 8% carbon >40% for organic farming imported 0% for organic farming <5% for organic farming
potential <2030
Micro porosity structured Macro porosity structured Technology 3R zero emission processing Chemical processing Chemical precipitation Biological process
Soil improver, carbon sequestration, carbon capture/ Full value compound bio-fertilizer, BIO-NPK-C bio- Self-sustaining,
30.25 MJ/kg, high energy/ High energy for transport,
storage formulated Energy use surplus green energy 4 MJ/kg, energy user
water user logistics and application.
20,000 kg/ha average 300 kg/ha average producer
Circular economy and Green
Low dose/low cost applications, market competitive Sustainability Linear economy model Recycling model Circular economy
High dose/high cost applications Deal
versus mineral fertilizers
Zero pollution to air, water Rapid leach out and ground Complex high pollutions in High GHG impacts & water
Environmental impact
& soil water pollution soil pollution
P solubility (release) Controlled, high NUE* >90% Rapid, low NUE* <20% Slow, low NUE* <20% Rapid, low/medium NUE*
Cd 30-200 mg/kg *** U 10- Cd: 5-10 mg/kg ** Zn/Cu
Toxic Cadmium/Uranium No detectable contamination Cd: 10-30 mg/kg **
208 mg/kg often above max. limit
Animal/human pathogens,
No human, no environmental High risk of contaminants & Pharmaceutics, illicit drugs,
Product safety and risks Pharmaceutics, toxic metals
and/or climate impact risk ground water pollution pathogens
(overhigh Zn/Cu)
User sector
Organic/ sustainable / low
input farming
Intensive farming only Intensive farming only Intensive farming ***
Wholesale EXW price
(€/kg)
>0.75 (BIO-NPK-C compound) >0.75 (blank) >1.5 (blank) >0.1
Estimated farmer/ user
cost/hectare €
€225/ha €225/ha €1,500/ha >€2,000/ha
*NUE: Nutrient Use Efficiency
**Cd max limit intensive farming 60 mg/kg (July 16, 2022) but towards 20 mg/kg by 2030. Cd max limit organic/bio farming 1.5 mg/kg.
***factory farming manure (>95% of the manure production) as of Annex II. Of (EU)2021/1165 forbidden to use as fertilizing product in organic farming,
use in intensive farming only
There is a need to rapidly reduce EU dependency on
imported mineral phosphate in the EU agriculture sector
spaces and creates new demand in a product streams to replace cadmium/ to the successful implementation of
market where there is no competition. uranium contaminated mineral EU Green Deal targets and helps to
To date, there is no other innovation phosphate chemical fertilizers. The decarbonise the economy.
viable for the recovery and upcycling gigantic market for fertilizers worldwide
of phosphorus material at economical The novel 3R technology and
will provide new opportunitiers to
high nutrient density (35% P2O5) that BioPhosphate products open new
up-scale production and distribution.
is processed by a zero emission and technical, economic, environmental
The substitution of the use of chemical
energy self-sustaining solution. and climate resilience opportunities
fertilizers by CMC14 BioPhosphate
in the agricultural fertilizer sector on a
The objective is the recovery of will accelerate the green transition
global level.
compound formulated BIO-NPK-C of the food crop producers towards
biofertilizers that are independently sustainable, circular, fossil energy For more information on
upcycled from food grade animal bones independent and resource efficient 3R-BioPhosphate please visit:
There is no substitute for use of phosphorus in food chains and agricultural/food industrial by- food production. It also contributes www.BioPhosphate.net
44 45 September/October 2022
FEATURE EU response to war
Europe’s responses to
war in Ukraine
Written by
Sean Mackle, Trade and Economic Director, Fertilizers Europe, Belgium
Created to prevent wars – and to
create cooperation and peace in
Europe, the European Union is
responding to the war in Ukraine
with the accelerated formation of
new economic, diplomatic and even
military policies and programmes
designed to defend its own and
Ukraine’s independence, safety and
economic security. The speed of the
EU’s change management effort has
often been fast and remarkable.
This stressed situation for the EU,
of course, is not comparable to the
shock and suffering experienced by
the Ukrainian people with nearly 6 mn
people displaced from their homes.
In addition, the Ukrainian economy
has lost 35% of its GDP. Nonetheless,
there are real challenges arising for
the European Union.
Gas supply
The most overt EU policy change
impacting the fertilizer industry is the
EU’s plans to move away from Russia’s
supply of gas. Educated by the autumn
2021 energy crisis, within weeks of
the outbreak of war on 24 February
the EU released the REPowerEU
energy policy and programmes. The
declared top objective is to reduce
the EU’s use of Russian gas by 66%
- amounting to 100 BCM by the end
of December 2022. Most analysts do
not consider this to be viable. Even
the European Commission’s own
Fertilizer Focus
EU response to war FEATURE
The EU fertilizer
industry will need
to demonstrate
Figure 2. Spot natural gas prices in Europe (TTF) 2018-2022
(USD/mmBtu)
60
its resilience and
50
40
agility 30
20
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Green deal
The EU Green Deal ambitions not
only remain valid, but they also get
Germany plans three to four new LNG further reinforcement with a Hydrogen
Accelerator programme and extra from the Ukraine war situation merits Fertilizers Europe today is a key
import terminal plants funding for the Innovation Fund aimed state aid support. Indeed, in the
EU’s Temporary Crisis Framework
representative. The EU Member
States Agriculture Ministries
at supporting new green technologies.
The aim is an additional 15 mn t programme announced in March 2022, and agencies are all promoting
the fertilizer industry is explicitly cited nutrient management actions and
of renewable hydrogen to replace
as a sector meriting support. new sources of nutrients are a
working documents suggest that 70 Gulf Arab region, North Africa, Africa imported Russian gas. It is projected
rising imperative for industry and
BCM is the best achievable outcome. and the North America. that imports will provide 10 mn t, while
farmers. Already a force this season,
Nonetheless, the accelerated direction domestic supply inside the EU will
Very significantly, Germany plans
of travel is set and supporting account for 5 mn t in addition to the 5 Temporary Crisis next season 2022/23 nutrient
three to four new LNG import terminal management is set to become an
actions are being actively progressed plants, an enhanced hydrogen
mn t already planned under the Green Framework ever greater force.
regarding the mandatory filling of Deal.
programme and expanded renewables Agriculture and farming too – not
EU sanctions on Russia due to
storage to 80% by November 2022 programme. Germany is convinced it Africa, in particular Morocco, the surprisingly with food affordability
the invasion of Ukraine are also a
and the creation of voluntary state. must show leadership on the move Middle East, Australia and a stable and food security concerns – also
distinctive feature of the current EU
The European Commission sponsored away from Russia’s fossil fuels. This Ukraine and Eastern neighbourhood gained a qualifying eligibility status
trade and foreign affairs policy. An
buying platforms and a hard drive has included the cancellation of the are foreseen as the key hydrogen for the Temporary Crisis Framework
commercial diplomatic campaign to Nord Stream II pipeline from Russia to suppliers outside Europe. programme in the context of Russia’s almost immediate response from
the EU in early March 2022 was
seek out alternative gas supplies from Germany. invasion of Ukraine. More profoundly,
As Europe moves away from Russian to 100% sanction Belarus potash
agri commodity traders and European
gas, Russia itself has cut gas supplies and NPK products due to Belarus’s
farmers were quick to recognise
to Finland, Poland and the Baltics and cooperation with Russia.
the halt on Ukrainian agricultural
curtailed gas supply to Germany. This
Figure 1. Spot natural gas prices in US Henry Hub, TTF Europe, commodities notably wheat and Regarding Russia, the EU has
combined with the EU actions has led
sunflower. The market then moved
and LNG Japan (USD/mmBtu) to the distinctive rise in gas prices.
to cover a new high price market
introduced six packages of sanctions.
In the fifth package, the EU has
Extraordinary gas spikes earlier in paradigm where EU agriculture is applied quota sanctions on Russian
60
the year now seem to be replaced by exported and also has additional potash and NPK in order to prevent
50 a regular excessively high gas price domestic opportunities. For example, Russia becoming a circumvention
40 in Europe. Both characteristics in French wheat export in recent years route for fully 100% sanctioned
30 turn have led to a round of temporary has demonstrated to be a healthy and Belarus exports of potash and NPK.
plants closures in Europe profitable export business. But with
20
Arguably the most dramatic
10 the outbreak of war, wheat and cereals
Once again, the EU fertilizer industry sanctions were directed toward the
0 prices sky-rocketed and EU exports
will need to demonstrate its resilience Russian fertilizer oligarch owners
continued on their buoyant course.
and agility with disciplined closures, of Acron Phosagro, Uralchem and
Feb-21
Jul-21
Dec-21
Mar-22
Apr-22
Jun-22
Mar-21
Apr-21
Jun-21
Oct-21
Jan-22
Aug-21
Sep-21
Jan-21
Nov-21
May-22
Feb-22
Jul-22
May-21
creative gas buying and timely Concerned by Russia’s weaponization Eurochem. The Rossosh oligarch
deliveries to customers. However, of the food security issue, the EU owner was earlier sanctioned in
Natural gas, US Natural gas, Europe Liquefied natural gas, Japan the EU has recognised that the and European Commission formed a 2014 sanctions arising from Russia’s
excessive energy/gas prices arising new food security network wherein annexation of the Crimea.
46 47 September/October 2022
FEATURE EU response to war FEATURE

RE SE SAV
23 N D
G I PT E
A

ST E M €3
E R B 00
BY ER
Table 1. EU 27 Nitrogen Imports July-May (agri seasonal report) ‘000 tonnes
Jul 2018 - May 2019 Jul 2019 - May 2020 Jul 2020 - May 2021 Jul 2021 - May 2022

Russia 1226.5 1088.8 854.5 1149.6

Egypt 754.6 745.2 682.2 775.7

Algeria 334.0 330.2 336.2 484.3

Morocco 143.5 211.8 247.2 131.1

Belarus

Ukraine
159.9

22.4
243.1

113.1
258.0

197.9
89.8

188.3 Argus Clean Ammonia

Trinidad,Tob

Norway
136.9

128.6
122.1

124.3
139.7

119.9
168.7

128.6 Europe Conference

Turkey 91.9 122.3 101.9 60.8
28 - 30 November 2022
Turkmenistan 27.3 52.5 94.4 76.0
Hamburg Germany & Online access
Oman 0.0 35.1 98.6 112.9

UAE 61.8 73.4 87.8 71.0

Georgia 70.5 63.2 61.2 60.3

Bringing together industry pioneers driving the

Serbia 36.8 35.7 38.2 55.4

China 36.9 35.8 17.2 16.8

Others 383.0 163.6 55.8 161.6 clean ammonia market within Europe and globally
Total 3614.6 3560.3 3390.6 3730.7

Source: Eurostat : Fertilizers - Europe working Why attend?

Sponsorship and exhibition
opportunities:
Sanctions law is a complicated subject in the Europe Union Three days of networking and content insight
into the latest market developments and
Position your company amongst those trailblazing

and the European Economic Area

the path to net zero in one of the most important
dynamics for clean ammonia. regions leading the energy transition.

Contact Kian Al-Ibrahim:

EU sanctions
With EU sanctions aimed at the
‘designated person’ and not directly
at the Russian fertilizer company
a great deal of confusion and
uncertainty surrounded the legal
implementation and enforcement
of EU sanctions. However, by
April 2022 it became evident in
the Eurostat import statistics that
Russian nitrogen imports into the
EU had actually increased – not
decreased – as the Russian nitrogen
producer/exporters rushed to beat
or go around the sanctions on
oligarchs.
Sanctions law is a complicated
subject in the Europe Union and
the European Economic Area.
In the EU, Member States are
responsible for the implementation
and enforcement while the
European Commission operates as
guardian of the law and its uniform
enforcement. Going forward, the
European Commission is increasing
its efforts on enforcement of the
sanctions as well as providing legal
guidance on the unclear areas.
The Ukraine war has changed
(or further developed) the EU’s
missions, priorities and policies. For
the EU fertilizer industry, the new
energy/gas, agriculture and foreign
affairs policies and programmes
presents new challenges. The
widespread expectation in Brussels
is that all these changes and
challenges are there to stay.
T: +44 (0) 7525 815 194
Hear from speakers from companies E: sponsorship@argusmedia.com
including: Fertilizers Europe, for more information
InterContinental Energy, NYK Energy
Transport Atlantic, NOW GmbH, Uniper
Commodities and Argus.
Technology partner Associate sponsor
Network and build relationships across
the value chain for clean ammonia as well
as across sectors including, fertilizers,
shipping, power generation and hard to
abate industrials.

Fertilizer Focus 48 49 September/October 2022

Register online now - www.argusmedia.com/clean-ammonia-europe
FEATURE Conference review
Conference review: EBIC’s Farm-to-Fork Europe conference
Plant biostimulants
respond to challenges:
Driven by climate change, water shortages and
energy-fertilizer dynamics
Written by
Jessica Fitch, Consultant, European Biostimulant Industry Council (EBIC) Secretariat, Belgium
As the war in Ukraine shows no
sign of letting up, tightening
food supplies and unprecedented
fertilizer supply constraints threaten
to exacerbate the already fragile
current geopolitical context by
causing a global food crisis in the
months to come. This comes on
a backdrop of increased climate
variability and volatility, with
extreme weather events threatening
to further impact global food
production this year. Integrated,
systemic approaches to address
these developments are urgently
required.
Happily, there are potential
solutions available, such as plant
biostimulants - just one of the
innovative plant nutrition product
categories that can help address
such challenges. Many plant
biostimulants have recently gained
access to the EU Single Market for
the first time. But more regulatory
progress is needed to ensure the
full family of plant biostimulant
products is available and accessible
to farmers across Europe and further
afield so that they can contribute to
food for all in these uncertain times.
Fertilizer Focus
Biostimulants are already helping some
farmers to adapt to climate change
Helping to manage
geopolitical challenges for
agriculture
At the European Biostimulant Industry
Council’s (EBIC’s) Farm-to-Fork Europe
conference this June, several high-
level speakers outlined the growing
imperatives for further investment and
regulatory support for farmer uptake
of plant biostimulants worldwide,
including their potential contribution
to risk management on farms.
Michaël Tanchum, a visiting fellow
at the European Council of Foreign
Relations, a senior fellow at the
Austrian Institute for European
and Security Policy (AIES), and a
non-resident fellow at the Middle
East Institute (MEI), outlined the
implications of current world events in
his keynote presentation. He stressed
that where there are disruptions, there
are also opportunities for food and
agriculture. He highlighted Europe’s
50
Global Gateway initiative, which
seeks – among other things – to
develop agri-food corridors in partner
countries, with a special emphasis
on Africa. Prof. Tanchum pointed out
that plant biostimulants could be
particularly relevant in addressing
what he calls the “water-energy-food
nexus” because they can help plants
access water even during drought
and improve their nutrient use
efficiency, optimizing standard inputs
and indirectly reducing the energy
footprint of agriculture.
Plant biostimulants are already
helping some farmers to adapt to
climate change. The right biostimulant
product, applied at the right time, on
the right crop, and in the right amount,
could mean safeguarding yields
against losses incurred due to climate
shocks. Many plant biostimulants
provide support for the toleration of
harsh growing conditions such as
heat and drought, excessive rain,
The Ukrainian food
security strategy
has focused on
ensuring the
supply of seeds
high salinity levels, and other abiotic
stressors. As we observe increasingly
volatile climate events in Europe and
across the world, including extensive
drought and wildfires coming only a
year after devastating floods, not to
mention the late frosts that have hit
Europe two years in a row, farmers
desperately require access to tools to
help ensure that their hard work will
result in a viable harvest despite these
climate events.
The impact of war
This year, climatic vagaries are
exacerbated by the consequences of
the war in Ukraine. According to the
United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization, Russia and Ukraine
are among the most important
producers of agricultural commodities
in the world. In 2021, the Russian
Federation and the Ukraine ranked
among the most important global
exporters of wheat, barley, maize,
rapeseed and rapeseed oil, sunflower
seed and sunflower oil. Russia was
the world’s top exporter of nitrogen
fertilizers, the second leading supplier
of potash fertilizers and the third
largest exporter of phosphorous
fertilizers. This means that reduced
exports from these two countries are
seriously destabilizing fertilizer and
food markets across the world, with
disproportionate effects on developing
countries that are dependent on food
imports from these two countries.
The first grain-transporting ship
in five months left the Ukraine in
August, bound for Lebanon where
the situation has been desperate.
Since an explosion at Beirut’s port in
Luca Bonini asks whether Europe is rising to challenges posed by
the incoming food crisis at EBIC’s Farm-to-Fork Europe conference
2020, Lebanon has only been able to
store one month’s reserve of grains,
and the clock has been ticking on
that deadline since the end of June
when the reserves started to be drawn
down.
The Ukrainian government has
been working with the EU and other
allies since the beginning of the
year to support Ukrainian farmers
who have been literally ‘ploughing
along’ despite sometimes hazardous
conditions, sometimes working their
fields in bullet-proof vests or by night
to reduce the risks of getting caught in
crossfire. The Ukrainian food security
strategy has focused on ensuring the
supply of seeds, diesel, fertilizer, and
plant protection products. It is critical
to add plant biostimulants to the
package to help improve the nutrient
use efficiency of the planted crops and
to help bolster them against possible
harsh weather.
Before the current conflict, Ukraine
was a strong growth market for plant
biostimulants. Several Ukrainian
farmer and industry representatives
participated in the Farm-to-Fork
51
Conference review FEATURE
Europe conference and advocated
for the widespread uptake of plant
biostimulants.
Plant biostimulants can help to
alleviate the global food crisis,
especially in light of the current
alarming climate developments.
Besides mitigating the negative
effect of acute weather events, plant
biostimulants can also help to restore
agricultural soil health and increase
their carbon storage, while helping
to produce high, profitable yields for
farmers.
A more regenerative future
for agriculture
The second and third sessions of
EBIC’s Farm-to-Fork Europe conference
looked at soil health and carbon
farming in the context of climate-
smart agricultural practices. There
was consensus among speakers
and participants on the importance
of the need to pivot towards
regenerative agriculture to achieve
more sustainable food systems.
Plant biostimulants can contribute
September/October 2022
FEATURE Conference review
to the core principles of regenerative
agriculture, particularly in optimizing
inputs, improving soil health,
and increasing carbon content of
agricultural soils.
Juan Verde, corporate strategist,
advocate for a Green Economy,
and former Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Europe and Eurasia
at the United States Department of
Commerce under President Barack
Obama, explained the importance
of innovative agricultural solutions
such as biostimulants for a more
sustainable global food supply chain
– and that the time for change was
upon us. He highlighted the business
opportunities in fighting climate
change through innovations that can
simultaneously foster prosperity,
wealth, and economic development.
He noted that promoting the use of
plant biostimulants worldwide is part
of that transition.
Keynote speaker and Secretary of
the Global Soil Partnership (GSP)
at the UN’s Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO), Ronald Vargas,
outlined the importance of soils to the
future of humanity and their concern
Professor Michael Tanchum positions biostimulants as a strategic
solution to geo-eco-political problems
Fertilizer Focus
There is a need for an agreement on
indicators to quantify carbon emissions
for continuing degradation across the
world. Other presenters and panellists
in the soil health sessions explained
how plant biostimulants could help to
address such problems by:
• Reducing nutrient losses and
pollution by improving nutrient use
efficiency
• Reinforcing and replenishing
communities of beneficial soil
microorganisms
• Positively influencing the chemical
composition of soils, such as their
pH
• Fostering root development, they
can improve soil structure, carbon
content, nutrient, and water uptake,
and help to anchor soils against
erosion
Indeed, one participant commented
during the interactive sense-making
session that the emergence of the
52
plant biostimulants industry could be
seen as the private sector reacting to
the increased attention that the Global
Soil Partnership and other initiatives
have placed on the need to make soil
health a priority.
On a related topic, a presentation from
the European Commission presented
the EU’s plans to make carbon farming
a reality, acknowledging the potential
role of plant biostimulants. During the
carbon farming discussion, panellists
outlined the need for agreement
on indicators to quantify carbon
emissions and carbon sequestration
accurately, as well as finding a way to
reward farmers for these services and
therefore incentivize them to adopt
the right practices, with the help of
tools such as plant biostimulants.
From nutrient use
efficiency to food for all
Through enhanced nutrient use
efficiency, improved soil health,
greater tolerance to abiotic stress, and
quality traits such as better tolerance
of handling, plant biostimulants can
help to produce adequate amounts of
healthy, high-quality, and nutritious
food while minimizing food waste.
This makes plant biostimulants part
of the toolbox needed to secure
food for all across the world and
address challenges relating to the
water-energy-food nexus. Plant
biostimulants are essential for
boosting efficiency, especially in the
EU and North America, where farmers
have already adopted many good
practices and tools. Not only does
this help to improve yields, but this
can also improve the nutrient profiles
of foods and reduce nutrient losses
and pollution (including in water and
soils).
These benefits are more valuable
than ever at a time when food costs
Our food systems
are currently
destroying more
value than they
create
are rocketing worldwide, and more
people are facing food insecurity.
Farmers need profitable operations
to continue producing the food we
need, and we need to make sure
that as much as possible of what is
produced actually gets consumed.
This was the key message of the
final Farm-to-Fork Europe conference
session, which welcomed Ann
Tutwiler, Senior Fellow at the
Meridian Institute and Senior Advisor
to the Just Rural Transition. She
began her presentation with stark
data showing that our food systems
are currently destroying more value
than they create when hidden
costs are taken into account. She
encouraged the plant biostimulants
industry to take a proactive
leadership role in efforts to help
reverse this trend.
Making the potential strategic role
of plant biostimulants in feeding
the world a reality the Farm-to-Fork
Europe conference made it clear
that urgent actions are needed to
help food production overcome
current challenges. Since plant
biostimulants can play a vital role in
this transformation, the application
of the EU Fertilising Products
Regulation in July 2022 is extremely
timely.
EBIC is making the imperatives
outlined in this article the driving
force of its next work plan, 2023,
and its upcoming mid-term 2023-
2027 strategy. Following ten years
of challenging – but rewarding
– work to get plant biostimulants
recognized by EU regulators, the
industry now has its sights set on
increasing awareness of the role
Conference review FEATURE
Juan Verde highlights Europe’s extreme dependence on energy and
food imports
these innovative products can play Beyond regulatory imperatives, the
in helping to make food production industry also recognizes the ongoing
more sustainable. To do this, need to demonstrate and prove that
regulatory obstacles still need to be biostimulants can contribute to all
overcome. of the above as claimed and to help
users understand how to optimise
their benefits. This requires collecting
Optimizing the benefits and exhibiting ever more data on
which biostimulants contribute to
In principle, any plant biostimulant
nutrient use efficiency, soil health,
that meets the new EU Fertilising
tolerance to abiotic stress and quality
Products Regulation’s demanding
traits, and under which conditions.
safety requirements could be placed
on the Single Market as an ‘EU plant EBIC’s members will continue to
biostimulant.’ In practice, this is not explore these themes as we devise
yet the case, particularly for those the strategy to maximize plant
that contain microorganisms, animal biostimulants’ contribution to a more
by-products or derivatives, and sustainable future for global food
phosphites. systems.
European Biostimulant Industry Council (EBIC)
As the representative organization for the biostimulants industry in
Europe, covering the majority of players in the EU biostimulant market
with more than 65 active full members – ranging from dozens of SMEs to
multinationals – EBIC embodies the voice of the biostimulants industry in
Europe. Find out more on www.biostimulants.eu
Read more about EBIC’s Farm to Fork Europe conference:
https://biostimulants.eu/highlights/f2f-opporrtunity-biostimulants/
53 September/October 2022
FEATURE Conference preview
Conference preview:
Argus Fertilizer
Europe conference
17-19 October 2022 • Hotel RIU Plaza España, Madrid, Spain
Europe’s largest fertilizer trading
event returns in-person. After a period
of uncertainty and a pause on live
events, the Argus Fertilizer Europe
Conference returns in-person to
Madrid, Spain, on 17-19 October 2022.
Now in its 34th year, this event
typically attracts 600+ attendees,
across 300+ companies from 50+
countries, making the conference one
of Europe’s largest fertilizer trading
events where you are guaranteed
access to new customers and
suppliers as well as existing contacts.
What’s new for 2022?
Site visit to Fertiberia Puertollano
facility: This year’s event features a
special opportunity for a select group
of attendees to visit Fertiberia’s new
clean ammonia facility in Puertollano.
The visit to Puertollano will take place
on 17 October and last all day, with
a special networking dinner planned
post-visit. Participants will have the
opportunity to be the first group of
partners and clients to see the brand
new clean ammonia and hydrogen
facilities along with Iberdrola’s solar
farm.
Networking zone: The conference
floorplan has been designed with
specific networking zones with plenty
of areas to host meetings with clients
featuring different amenities (food,
drink, charging points etc). There will
be complimentary meeting tables on
a first-come, first-serve basis in the
exhibition area. Visit the website to
view the networking zone map.
Fertilizer Focus
Revamped Fertilizer Fast Track: New to
the market? Need a refresher of market
basics? Gain access to our online
resources covering the basics of the
fertilizer market before the conference
so that you can make the most of your
time during the event.
Networking opportunities
Network with senior representatives
from across the European fertilizer
supply chain, including producers,
trading firms and distributors. Not only
has the conference floorplan been
designed with specific networking
zones, but there will also be multiple
opportunities throughout the event to
create connections within formal and
informal settings.
Networking app: The event App
featuring the full attendee list will
launch a month before the conference,
allowing participants to set up their
profiles and start planning their
schedules. Attendees will be able
to message one another and set up
meetings within the App with potential
suppliers, clients and new business
partners ahead of the conference.
Roundtables: On the first day of
the conference, get a head start
on networking with like-minded
individuals on the topics that matter
most to you by participating in one of
the industry roundtables hosted in the
exhibition area. Topics include:
•D
 oes environmental sustainability
ensure economic sustainability?
•A
 lternate sourcing of fertilizers:
Deep-dive into Asian markets
54
• Growing business between Americas
and Europe
• How are traders reacting to fertilizer
supply shocks?
Exhibition area: Discover the
latest products dedicated to the
European Fertilizer market. Hear
the latest on innovations from EMT,
Koppern, Agripower, Saviolife,
Evergrow, Fertiberia, ANWIL, Heorgra
Fertilizantes, Eiric, DCX, Cotecna, AGI
and many more...
Cocktail receptions: Have an exclusive
opportunity to enjoy drinks at one
of Madrid’s most famous rooftops.
After a long day of meetings and
presentations, unwind with a drink
and reacquaint yourself with old
contacts and meet potential new
business partners at the networking
drinks reception.
Main conference stream
Gain key insights into the most
important challenges facing the
fertilizer sector. From rising shipping
costs to geopolitics, hear from senior
executives from the most influential
fertilizer companies on topics such as
green hydrogen and ammonia, food
security and EU regulation.
Attendees will also have the
opportunity to hear from Argus
experts on the ‘Europe markets
digest’ presentation. This session
will provide an overview of the key
market developments within the
industry as well as an analysis of
how macroeconomic and geopolitical
events are influencing and shaping the
Conference preview FEATURE
most important fertilizer raw material
and finished product markets. Will you be joining the European fertilizer community
Hear from companies including in Madrid?
Fertiberia, Haifa, Anglo American,
Maximise this opportunity to meet with senior decision makers across
Triferto, Agrifirm, Nitricity, Fertilizers
the European bulk and specialty fertilizer supply chain all under one roof.
Europe, ANFFE, SkyFusion, Groupe
Secure your place ahead of the conference to ensure early access to the
Eyssautier-Verlingue, ADM Investor event App and start planning your schedule.
Services, Sulphur Mills, ORO Agri, RWZ
Visit the website at: www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer-europe to see the
and more…
latest list of registered attendees, the current agenda and to register.
Specialty fertilizer stream
This year, with growing developments Thank you to our sponsors!
and movements within the specialty
fertilizer market, this forum will provide Co-host sponsors Gold sponsors
attendees with in-depth analysis
and updates on biostimulants,
foliar fertilizers, micronutrients and
Impact for a sustainable future
certification. Be the first to know about
new specialty products and projects
Silver sponsors Associate sponsors
that will hit the market.
Hear from companies including:
Fertiberia, Agripower, Haifa, Fitosoil,
International Fertiliser Society,
Agripower, KAELTIA, CEFIC-Fertilizer
Efficiency Enhancers, Rhenus,
Vlaeynatie and more…
55 September/October 2022
 Water-solubles FEATURE

Water-soluble
nitrogen sources
include ammonium
nitrate, urea and
calcium nitrate

In the first scenario products may

be more expensive but a lower level
of ‘know-how’ and investment in
equipment is required to use such
products. In the second scenario a
certain degree of agronomic expertise
is often required as well as some sort
of ‘fertigation programme’ so that the
nutrient solution required by the crop
can be prepared from a mix of ‘simple’ (above) Fertigation system using drip irrigation and water-soluble
fertilizers components. The investment fertilizers; (left) Fertigation of blueberries using water-soluble
in equipment is generally offset by the fertilizers (Belgium)

The developing market for

lower cost of ‘simple’ water-soluble
fertilizers compared with ‘complete’
products. The use of ‘straights’
also gives growers greater flexibility Table 1. The key ‘straight’ water-soluble fertilizers

water-soluble fertilizers
over the choice of nutrient source, Typical Nutrient Content
depending on the relative prices of Water-soluble Fertilizer Product
individual products in the market. It N P2O5 K2O S Mg Ca
also provides the flexibility to deliver Calcium nitrate 15.5% 19%
more balanced nutrition according to
the growth stage of crop, as well as the Potassium nitrate (NOP) 13% 46%
water source. Potassium sulphate (SOP) 51% 18%

Written by There are no hard and fast rules as Mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) 12% 61%
to which technique is best – the
Dr. N. J. White, Portfolio & Knowledge Director, Tessenderlo Kerley International, Belgium choice will depend on the factors Mono potassium phosphate (MKP) 52% 34%

Whilst great progress has been made
over the last fifty years in increasing
crop yields globally this has, in many
cases, been with significant increases
in the consumption of fertilizers. In
certain cases efficiency levels remain
below optimum, and nutrient losses
through leaching and volatilization,
when fertilizers are used inefficiently
can have a negative environmental
impact. It is for this reason that there
has been a rapid growth in the use
of water-soluble fertilizers over the
last couple of decades. Both growers
and governments recognize the
positive impact that using fertigation
techniques (delivering crop nutrients
via the irrigation water), particularly
in drip irrigation systems, can have on
both nutrient and water use efficiency.
As markets become more
sophisticated and growers more
knowledgeable, the demand for
delivering plant nutrition tailored to
the exact needs of the crop increases.
This is where water-soluble fertilizers
can play a key role. Growers generally
have two options:
1. To opt for a ‘complete’ product,
often an NPK (which may also have
added micronutrients) tailored to
the specific crop, which can often
simply be dissolved and injected
directly into the irrigation system
2. To opt for what are commonly known
as ‘straight’ (or ‘simple’ or ‘single
source’) water-soluble fertilizers
(generally containing one or two
nutrients) and invest in equipment
that allows the nutrient solution to
be mixed and prepared on farm prior
to injection into the irrigation system
listed above, along with the area to
be fertigated, whether the crops are
grown under cover on in an open field,
the desire to invest in equipment and
the level of flexibility required in the
nutritional programme.
The key water-soluble
‘straight’ products
There are many water-soluble NPK
products and manufacturers providing
a wide range of formulae for a whole
range of crops. When it comes to the
‘straight’ products a relatively small
number of products dominate the
global market. These are shown in the
table 1.
Magnesium sulphate (anhydrous)
Other water-soluble nitrogen sources
include ammonium nitrate, urea
and urea phosphate. Potassium
can also be delivered as muriate
of potash (MOP), but this is not
recommended for chloride or salt
sensitive crops and/or areas at risk
from salinity. Magnesium nitrate can
also be used as a source of nitrogen
and magnesium. Micronutrients are
generally delivered in the sulphate
form, or as chelates, and water-soluble
options for boron include boric acid
and various borates. Given that many
26% 20%
water-soluble fertilizer products are
nitrate based, care should be taken
when formulating the fertigation
programme to avoid over-use of these
products. Whilst nitrogen is a key
nutrient in the first half of the growth
cycle for green tissue growth, the
crop’s need for this element reduces
later on, from flowering onwards,
when more potassium is required.
An excessive use of nitrates later on
will lead to reduced dry matter in the
produce. This can be detrimental to
quality and will also reduce the crop’s

Fertilizer Focus 56 57 September/October 2022

FEATURE Water-solubles
Figure 1. Soluble NOP, SOP, MAP MKP & Ca
Nitrate demand by region (2019)
3% 8%
13%
6%
7%
5%
7%
24%
N. America Lat. America
E. Asia (ex. China) Oceania
S. Asia W. & Central Europe
E. Europe & Central Asia
resistance to storage and transport
and can also be detrimental to the
environment due to leaching.
The water-soluble fertilizer
market
As the interest in water-soluble
fertilizers grows industry experts
have been making greater efforts
to understand and quantify this
important market segment along with
its growth potential. Argus estimated
the global specialty fertilizer market
to be worth USD16 bn in 2018, with
water-soluble fertilizers accounting for
just under 20% of the total (‘Enhanced
Efficiency Fertilizers – The Market in
Asia’, A. Valentini, Argus Fertilizer Live
– Virtual Conference, October 2020).
The market for water-soluble fertilizers
was predicted to double over the next
twenty years from around 3.7 mn t in
2019 to potentially around 7.7 mn t in
2040. The vast majority of the growth
Fertilizer Focus
Figure 2. Soluble NOP, SOP, MAP MKP & Ca
Nitrate demand by product (2019)
20%
33%
27%
31%
12%
4%
W. Asia Ca Nitrate MAP
Africa
MKP NOP SOP
(>90%) is expected to come from Asia was estimated at 2.63 mn t, a 6%
and Latin America. This is perhaps not growth compared with 2018.
surprising since in many countries in
The general belief is that the water-
these regions only a relatively small
soluble fertilizer market will continue
proportion of the total area irrigated
to grow at around 5% per annum
is under sprinkler or drip irrigation at
globally, but there are wide variations
present.
from one country to another. For
The International Fertilizer Association example, in India during the last
(IFA) has also been carefully studying 15 years the consumption of water-
and quantifying the growing market for soluble fertilizers has grown fifteen-
specialty (or ‘value added’) fertilizers, fold to around 265,000 t in the
including water-soluble products, in 2019/20 season (Fertilizer Association
collaboration with Paris-based RAMS & of India data). Growth in recent years
Co. Their analysis has been based on has been at around 15-20% per
five of the key ‘straight’ water-soluble annum (Argus analysis). Rams & Co
fertilizers: calcium nitrate, potassium forecast that the demand for the five
nitrate (NOP), potassium sulphate key products cited earlier will grow to
(SOP), mono ammonium phosphate 6.4 mn t (including China) by 2028.
(MAP) and mono potassium phosphate For China, the challenge is to keep its
(MKP). The assessment groups together population fed while constraining the
volumes used directly and those used area under cultivation and the water
in water-soluble NPK manufacture (see used for irrigation. A combination
figures 1 and 2). They report that in of increasing the area under micro-
2019, demand for these water-soluble irrigation and fertigation appears to be
fertilizers in the world (excluding China) the optimal solution.
58
For some growers, the choice of a
water-soluble fertilizer is often driven
by price
The importance of water-
soluble fertilizer quality
For some growers, the choice of
a water-soluble fertilizer is often
driven by price, without taking
product characteristics, benefits and
disadvantages for fertigation into
consideration. Invariably with water-
soluble fertilizers (as for many other
products) you get what you pay for.
The physical and chemical properties
of the product are paramount to
ensure safe and easy handling as
well as optimal plant nutrition,
whilst preserving soil quality. Of key
importance are the following:
1. The concentration of crop nutrients
in the product: Growers pay for crop
nutrients so the nutrient content in
a product is of primary importance.
Water-soluble products generally
contain a high concentration of
nutrients and as powders are
relatively easy to transport.
2. The negative impact of chloride
and sodium: Many cash crops
are sensitive to chloride and so
growers often look for water-
soluble products with a very low
chloride content. Chloride along
with sodium also contributes to
soil salinity so there is often also
a preference for water-soluble
products with low sodium content.
Many of the most popular water-
soluble fertilizers are virtually
chloride free.
3. The negative impact of insoluble
material: Measuring the quantity
of insolubles in a water-soluble
fertilizer is paramount in determining
whether or not that product can be
used for fertigation. The presence of
insolubles is highly undesirable and
can lead to clogging of both the filters
and the drippers. To be acceptable,
the level of insolubles should be
below 0.05%.
Water-solubles FEATURE
4. The pH of the solution – acidity:
Acidic water-soluble fertilizer
products are often beneficial,
particularly on alkaline soils, for
the quality of the nutrient solution
and optimal uptake by the plant of
a wide variety of nutrients. They can
also help prevent the drippers from
clogging.
5. Dissolution: The speed of
Insoluble material in poor
dissolution is another aspect
that contributes to quality and quality soluble fertilizer
affects the usability of a product in
fertigation systems. Good quality
fertigation grade fertilizers should more than 1% insoluble material. But
typically be 90% dissolved after even this level can pose problems
three minutes with stirring (in pure when used in drip irrigation. These
water at room temperature). sophisticated and often costly systems
6. Maximum solubility: The quantity require products that dissolve rapidly
and completely leaving no residues.
of fertilizer that can be dissolved
in a certain volume of water is also
important to the grower, since it
implies that a higher concentration Efficiency is vital
of nutrients in the solution can be The recent global Covid pandemic
achieved. This is to some extent an reminded us of the importance of
inherent property of the material. food security and highlighted the
key role that mineral fertilizers
7. Dust: For reasons of safety,
play in optimizing crop yields and
health and ease of use, the dust
quality. A growing global population
content of the product can also
coupled with climate change put
be an important factor. Products
further pressure on both food and
containing a higher fraction of dust
water resources, and so growers will
are more difficult and unpleasant to
increasingly look to find innovative
handle, whether used in fertigation
solutions for improving both nutrient
or for the manufacturing of liquid or
and water use efficiency. A key
water-soluble NPK’s.
challenge looking ahead will be for
Regrettably some countries do not growers to produce ‘more crop per
yet make a distinction between drop’ - increasing both crop yield and
standard powder and granular grades quality from the same amount of (or
of fertilizer used for soil application in some cases even less) fertilizer and
and special enhanced quality water- water on the same area of land, or on
soluble or fertigation grade products a reduced cropping area. The use of
conceived and manufactured water-soluble and liquid fertilizers in
specifically for use in drip irrigation drip irrigation systems will without a
systems. This can create confusion doubt allow growers to dramatically
and lead to the use of unsuitable improve production, enhancing their
products by growers. In China the cost-effectiveness and profitability,
legislation stipulates that water- whilst protecting the environment at
soluble fertilizers must not contain the same time.
59 September/October 2022
 PEOPLE Events
People and events
Morten Holm Christiansen becomes
interim CFO at Topsoe
Topsoe appoints Morten Holm Christiansen to interim
CFO as Philip Eickhoff returns to the healthcare industry.
Morten Holm Christiansen holds the position as CIO and
will maintain those responsibilities in parallel with his
position as interim CFO. Morten has had a long career
in Maersk and the Novo Nordisk Group and comes with
relevant CFO experience.
Topsoe CEO, Roeland Baan, is confident that Topsoe
will keep momentum with Morten Holm Christiansen
taking the lead: “We are on a fast track to build a strong
commercial position based on our decarbonization
solutions, and I have no doubt that Morten with
his extensive leadership experience and financial
background is the right person to support the
organization in delivering on our strategy, while we look
for a more permanent solution.”
On Philip Eickhoff’s departure, Roeland Baan says:
“Philip has done a great job in building a strong
foundation and team to help drive our transformation,
and I want to thank him for his contribution and
dedicated efforts for Topsoe the past two years. I truly
wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Philip Eickhoff left his position on the 31 August and a
search for a new CFO has started.
Nutrien launches global search for
long-term CEO and names Ken Seitz as
interim leader
The Board of Directors of Nutrien Ltd has announced
that Mayo Schmidt has left his position as President and
CEO of Nutrien and has resigned from the Board. Ken
Seitz, Executive Vice President and CEO of Potash, has
been named the company’s interim CEO. Mr. Seitz brings
extensive global leadership experience in the agriculture
and mining sectors and is well-positioned to progress
the company’s stated strategy and lead the integrated
business during the transition.
“Nutrien has delivered exceptional results in 2021 and is
well positioned to continue this strong momentum into
2022,” said Russ Girling, Chair of the Nutrien Board of
Directors. “Nutrien has a talented and deep executive
team, and we are confident that Ken Seitz and this
Fertilizer Focus
Events PEOPLE
2021, the association expanded its awards programme to The judges for each award will consider the nominations
reflect the food system concept - the web of activities in in the context of the “New Paradigm for Plant Nutrition”
food production and consumption - and their effects on as developed by the Scientific Panel on Responsible Plant
the environment and health. Nutrition.
“IFA’s focus is on helping to feed the world sustainably, The application deadline is 15 September 2022. Women
which is why the IFA Science Awards showcase scientists scientists are particularly encouraged to apply.
who are advancing solutions for healthy soils, lower
team will continue to build on the organization’s record
greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activity, more
financial and operating performance.”
recycling of nutrients and better livelihoods for farmers,” Topsoe appoints two new members of
“The Nutrien Board of Directors will work with an said Alzbeta Klein, IFA CEO/Director General.
executive search firm to begin a global search to select
Senior Leadership Team
The categories are:
a long-term leader that will take the company into its Topsoe appoints Kim Saaby Hedegaard as new Executive
• The IFA Norman Borlaug Plant Nutrition Award, which
next phase, which will consider internal and external Vice President, Power-to-X. Kim Hedegaard has served as
recognizes a large portfolio of research achievements,
candidates,” added Mr. Girling. interim Head of Power-to-X since May 2022. Before that,
demonstrating that the individual candidate has made
he held the position as Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Mr. Seitz said, “I look forward to working with the significant contributions to knowledge as well as
executive leadership team, our tremendous employees concrete solutions. In the position as COO, Topsoe appoints Andreas Bruun
and the Board of Directors to execute on our plan, Jørgensen, who until today served as interim COO.
• The IFA Emerging Scholar Award, which recognizes an
continue this exciting progression across our business to “We are dedicated to take lead on the energy transition,
individual’s portfolio of research that suggests the
serve our stakeholders, and deliver on our commitment and our Power-to-X business is an important driver in
candidate will make significant contributions in the
to advance sustainable solutions to feed a growing
future. doing so,” says Roeland Baan, CEO at Topsoe.
world.”
Mr. Seitz joined Nutrien as Executive Vice President
and CEO of Potash in 2019. He brings over 25 years of
global management experience working across more
than 60 countries, with a deep background in the
agriculture and mining sectors. As former President and
CEO of Canpotex, one of the world’s largest suppliers
of Potash, Mr. Seitz has extensive experience in global FERTILIZER BLENDING SYSTEMS
fertilizer marketing and logistics and strong connections
within the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in DESIGNED FOR THE REVOLUTION IN CROP INPUTS
Agriculture, a Bachelor of Engineering, and a Master
of Business Administration from the University of
Saskatchewan. He is a Professional Engineer with the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists
of Saskatchewan and is a Professional Agrologist with
the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Mr. Seitz also
holds a Certificate in Management from the Stern School
of Business at New York University.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Nutrien
team, I would like to thank Mayo Schmidt for his years of
service to the organization. We wish him the best in his
next endeavours,” said Mr. Girling.
AccuBlend®
International Fertilizer Association
launches 2022 IFA science awards
The International Fertilization Association (IFA) is • Certified weighing to ±.1% for accuracy and traceability
inviting individual scientists to apply for two awards • Rapid batch blending for efficiency, precision, and flexibility
that recognize excellence in plant nutrition science, • Powered by Sackett-Waconia SmartBlending® technology
innovation and extension for sustainable development. • Supporting the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program
IFA has granted the IFA Norman Borlaug Award to a
person whose research or extension work has led to
significant advances in crop nutrition since 1993. In
60 61 September/October 2022
FEATURE Sustainability
Sustainability:
saving farmers money
Current issues facing the farming sector could be masking a new world of
opportunities within the environmental services arena, according to William Gilder,
managing director of UK based William Gilder Group.
Meeting environmental responsibilities is a continuous
challenge but one that can be met, at least in part, by
looking at the fertilizers we use and working towards a
more circular economy that will strengthen our operations.
Fertilizers from renewable sources such as the anaerobic
digestate is a potentially widely available resource that
can yield greater results than the synthetic, fossil-fuel
derived fertilizers currently in use. It is key that the farmers
of the future have the environmental knowhow to exploit
the full potential of renewable sources.
According to the latest available British Survey of Fertilizer
Practice government report, more than a quarter (27%)
of farm businesses were carrying out precision farming
techniques to guide fertilizer application in 2020/21, a
3% increase on the previous year. And when it came to
soil health and nutrients, around 30% deploy some form
of monitoring software to determine the appropriate
application, again, a slight increase on the year prior.
So there is clearly a growing awareness of the need for more
sophisticated innovation and understanding of fertilizer
solutions. This goes hand in hand with farmers’ shared
responsibilities in the protection of the environment. This is
translating into tangible action – for instance, around three-
quarters of farmers using ‘green’ manures as a fertilizer
have made adjustments to their processes. One could be
the introduction of shallow injection machinery, sourced
using grants, to ensure a precise application of digestate
that will not adversely affect soil quality.
The knock-on impacts of rising fertilizer prices are already
being seen across the supply chain as well as on our
bottom line. DEFRA has already looked into approaches
to mitigate these, such as reducing fertilizer application
rate in the 2022-23 harvest year, although implementing
these will remain at the discretion of the farmer, guided by
expert predictions in the coming months.
The typical price of a tonne of digestate (paid by the
farmer) starts from as low as GBP3.00/t in some cases
versus to the GBP731/t for imported synthetic ammonium
nitrate. That means that there are potentially lucrative
savings to be made without affecting output quality.
Fertilizer Focus
FEATURE
Spreading digestate using direct injection or
trailing show
The nutrients within digestate, critical for soil quality, have a
value attached to them. Research conducted by Scotland’s
Rural College (SRUC) in 2020 calculates that value to be
around GBP134/ha for farm-based digestate, though of
course, this will vary depending on application rates and
whether whole or liquid separated digestate is used.
Maintaining soil quality through locally produced
resources such as digestate minimises the need to source
large quantities of expensive manufactured fertilizer.
The cost savings can then, latterly, be invested in other
areas of a farm’s operation and cost management,
such as machinery and technology that may have been
unaffordable. Extending this further, what may have once
been seen as waste material now has a value in itself,
digestate being a prime example. The long-term health of
the natural system is maintained, while at the same time,
Special focus
bringing down the impacts of climate change.
As digestates become more mainstream, the opportunity
ADDED VALUE
to reduce reliance on less sustainable fertilizer methods
will improve, and with that hopefully further downward
pressure on fertilizer prices for farmers. The measures
FERTILIZERS >
agriculture has used for generations still hold true in 2022.
But now, with changing priorities, prices, and various
external factors, there should be a spotlight on security,
both for the long-term future of our industry, and for the
physical environment that we rely on.
62 63 September/October 2022
FEATURE Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers
Taking Enhanced Efficiency
Fertilizers from formulation to
a commercially viable product
Written by
Shane Le Capitaine, Process Sales Engineer, FEECO International, USA
While fertilizer efficiency has always
been a priority in agriculture, it
has taken on a heightened level of
importance in recent years as the
pressure to meet climate change
goals and feed a growing population
tightens. This, in combination with
a number of other factors, from crop
productivity to nutrient deficiencies,
has brought enhanced efficiency
fertilizers (EEFs), to the forefront of
crop nutrition.
As grower requirements evolve,
producers are having to develop
new and improved products to meet
these changing market demands.
Unfortunately, developing the right
formulation or coating to maximize
efficiency is only half the battle;
producers must then be able to
physically produce the intended
product according to market
standards. This is where facilities such
as the FEECO Innovation Center lend
some much-needed support.
An enhanced efficiency fertilizer
is any type of fertilizer that has
been modified in a way to promote
maximum nutrient uptake and minimal
nutrient loss.
Improved efficiency can be achieved
through a number of avenues
such as manipulating the physical
specifications (grind size or solubility)
or adjusting the chemical makeup of a
Fertilizer Focus
product in order to influence nutrient
absorption and release rate behaviour.
As such, EEFs are essential in the fight
against nutrient runoff and fertilizer
emissions, as well as in the effort to
feed the world’s growing population.
They are also an important tool for
growers, allowing them to maximize
the full value of their nutrient inputs.
While conditions vary, it is widely
accepted that a substantial portion
of applied nutrients are typically
Potash fertilizer, before and after pelletizing in the FEECO
Innovation Center
64
lost to the environment, particularly
with regards to nitrogen (N) and
phosphorus (P).
The pursuit of enhanced efficiency
fertilizers has many producers working
to develop and bring their products
to market as quickly as possible.
However, getting a product to market
quickly should not sacrifice a thorough
development programme, which can
ultimately put the product’s viability
at risk.
Enhanced Efficiency
Fertilizers are
essential in the
fight against
nutrient runoff and
emissions
The risk in rushing to
market
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers
typically rely on one or more utilities
to improve nutrient use efficiency:
• Coatings
• Physical specifications
• Chemical formulation
While these concepts are not new,
many of these products represent
a new frontier when it comes to
building a commercial plant - novel
material sources, new formulations
and specific combinations of particle
parameters - all of these things can
present issues during scale-up if not
thoroughly vetted.
In some cases, it may not be
possible to produce the chemical
formulation in a granular form that
meets market expectations, or the
intended coating formulation may
not apply uniformly. In other cases,
the process may simply not be
scalable.
The timing of the industry adds an
additional layer of urgency, tempting
many producers to rush through
development in order to meet the
season’s cut-off point for getting a
product to market. And while the
growing season can be a powerful
motivator, rushing to market more
often than not results in production
plants that are unable to yield a
quality product.
This is why a thorough testing
and development programme is
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers FEATURE
Urea before and after coating
so essential. This type of testing
caters to fertilizer producers through
flexible options in granulation
testing, establishes and refines the
process configuration, along with
feedstock requirements, in order to
yield a process that producers can
confidently scale-up to an efficient
and effective production line.
The journey from
conception to
commercialization
Depending on the stage of a
producers own R&D activities,
the Innovation Center’s process
development workflow for EEFs
typically progresses through four
stages: Confirming feasibility, proof
of product, proof of process and
process and product optimization.
Confirming feasibility
Testing begins with batch-scale
equipment which sets out to confirm
whether or not it is physically
possible to produce the desired
product from the representative
65
source of material. In other words,
this testing illustrates proof of
concept, essentially confirming
that the process shows potential
for commercial-scale production,
while also laying out basic process
parameters for further evaluation.
This small, but critical step is the
foundation of the development
programme, serving as the basis
for any further exploration. It
gives producers the opportunity
to evaluate the potential of their
idea with minimal investment and
establishes whether or not the
intended product is physically and
economically worth exploring on
a larger scale. It may also reveal
unforeseen issues such as the need
for material pre-treatment. Producers
can also use this stage to facilitate
the exploration of different binding
agents or to yield small product
samples for off-site analysis.
Feasibility testing can also be
employed in the interest of
narrowing down multiple potential
formulas into a couple more refined
iterations for exploration at pilot
scale.
September/October 2022
FEATURE Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers
Proof of product
If initial feasibility testing has been
successful, testing can move on
to a more in-depth exploration of
the intended product. This stage,
which is also carried out at batch
scale, establishes whether or not
the representative sample can
be produced to the end product
specifications desired.
If the exact product specifications
are not yet known, this stage can
also help producers to solidify them.
This may include parameters such
as:
• Attrition
• Bulk density
• Crush strength
• Flowability
• Hygroscopicity
• Moisture content
• Particle size distribution
• Size guide number (SGN)
• Solubility
• Surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA:V)
• Surface quality
On the process side, this stage
works to establish the basic process
criteria necessary to produce the
desired product characteristics. This
includes exploring and confirming
equipment configuration, form of
source material, feedstock grind
size, and even starting to determine
yield, among other facets.
If the producer is exploring multiple
iterations, this stage also focuses
on identifying the formulation that
best suits the target parameters
and process objectives. Here again,
samples may be produced for further
analysis by the producer.
Proof of process
Batch testing concludes once the
product parameters have been
finalized, the basis of the process
has been established, and the
producer is ready to move on to
testing the identified process on a
continuous pilot scale.
The proof of process step focuses on
addressing the unique challenges
Fertilizer Focus
The proof of process step focuses on
addressing the unique challenges that
accompany the transition from batch to
pilot-scale production
that accompany the transition from
batch to pilot-scale production,
determining:
• Feed rate and product yield
•B inder feed rate, concentration,
and location of sprays, as well as
number of sprays and type(s) of
nozzles
• Pin or paddle arrangement
• Mixer speed
•A gglomerator speed and slope/
angle (where applicable)
•G ranulation and/or coating drum
speed and slope
• Dryer design
•P otential for issues such as dust,
buildup and flowability
Proof of process testing concludes
when the Innovation Center has
shown that the process is possible on
a continuous scale, any major hurdles
to scale-up have been overcome,
and any potential pitfalls have been
identified.
Solubility test: coated fertilizer (left) Vs. uncoated fertilizer (right)
66
Process and product
optimization
Once the basic parameters of the
continuous process have been
established and the process has
been proven to run on a continuous
scale, testing can move on to refining
the process to optimize for yield,
consistency, and product quality.
This stage of testing is the final
step before commercial scale-up,
establishing the data necessary to
design the process equipment, as
well as making a product that can be
used for testing and/or seeding the
market.
EEF production
FEECO’s Innovation Center brings a
few critical advantages to the table
that make it especially valuable
in developing the fertilizers of
tomorrow.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers FEATURE
The facility began as a way to assist
customers in evaluating the feasibility
of granulating their intended product
during the early days of fertilizer
granulation. At the same time,
such testing also helped to inform
on critical engineering decisions
in the design of commercial-scale
equipment.
This small-scale testing quickly
evolved to fill a gap in the market for
more advanced process development
services that could ultimately de-risk
the scale-up process.
“Throughout the decades, we have
worked with all different types of
chemicals and minerals in all different
forms, and in different process setups
and capacities. Companies come to us
because we know what works and we MAP Fertilizer produced in the FEECO Innovation Center
know what specifications the market
requires” says Michael Eidge, FEECO
Process Sales Engineer. “We can
often look at their intended product or The ability to simulate commercial
conditions allows producers to
process and have a pretty good idea
of where to start with testing, where
potential problems lie, and what is
likely going to be the best outcome thoroughly develop their processes
for them,” he adds. “This saves time,
cost, and risk.”
and customizations in order to meet The benefits of a more efficient
precise process and product goals. fertilizer go far beyond maximizing
A scalable testing crop uptake and limiting nutrient
losses in the fight against climate
environment
From drying and establishing grind
Improving fertilizer change. They extend to fewer trucks
for transport, less passes across the
size for feedstock, to the actual efficiency field, and ultimately, a reduction in
granulation process, and even While the definition of an EEF focuses the need to mine raw materials - all
post-granulation treatment, the on nutrient use efficiency, it is factors that will have a greater focus as
scalable testing environment found important to note that the efficiency the world continues to tackle climate
in the FEECO Innovation Center is an of fertilizers can be enhanced in other change.
invaluable advantage in bringing a beneficial ways as well. In addition
process to market with minimal risk. to helping customers to develop their The increasing importance of fertilizer
EEFs, the Innovation Center can also efficiency has brought enhanced
The ability to simulate commercial efficiency fertilizers to the front line
conditions allows producers to help to improve fertilizer efficiency by:
of crop nutrient management and
thoroughly develop their process all • Mitigating dust loss
the way up to continuous pilot-scale, • Improving spreading efficiency
the fight against climate change. As
producers enhance existing products
providing a high level of confidence • Producing a product that prevents and develop new ones to fit into this
in the transition to commercial nutrient segregation during shipping growing category, they often face
production. and handling unexpected challenges in converting
• Enhancing flowability for smoother
The facility is also not only equipped their theory to a market-acceptable
production, handling and
with all of the equipment a granulation product. This makes a thorough
plant might require, but each piece application testing and development programme
is also extremely customizable, • Utilizing a waste stream as feedstock critical in bringing these products
giving producers the flexibility to try to divert material from landfills while to market with high confidence and
different configurations, components creating a value-added product minimal risk.
67 September/October 2022
FEATURE Microelements
Seed treatments
with microelements
Written by
Abdul Rehman, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment,
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Faisal Nadeem, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Pakistan
Aman Ullah, Agriculture Specialist, Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), Cen-
tral and West Asia, Pakistan and
Muhammad Farooq, Associate Professor and Head of the department, Department of Plant Sciences,
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Microelements are essential plant
nutrients, needed by plants in minute
quantities. These elements play a
crucial role in plant biology and their
deficiencies result in disrupted plant
metabolism, stunted growth and
poor yield. The deficiency or poor
availability of micronutrients may
cause wastage of high doses of crop
nutrients/inputs such as nitrogen,
phosphorus and water. There is a very
narrow margin between the deficiency
and toxicity of microelements as these
are needed in very minute quantities.
These nutrients were ignored by a
large number of farmers in developing
countries due to the high cost of
fertilizers, but in the last decade or so
the application of micronutrients to
crop plants has gained attention from
farmers in developing countries.
Micronutrients can be supplied by soil
application, foliage application and
seed treatment. However, suitable
soil moisture and physiochemical
properties are prerequisites for
micronutrient availability and uptake by
plants. In the case of foliar application,
suitable adjuvant for effective nutrient
absorption and suitable climatic
conditions are needed for effective
Fertilizer Focus
The seed priming technique is effective
in improving crop establishment
spraying. The chances of leaf burn are
also high in the case of a high dose
of nutrients. In this scenario, seed
treatment offers an efficient, cost-
effective and eco-friendly option for
the delivery of microelements. Seed
treatments refer to the chemical,
physical and biological agents’
application to the seed surface using
different techniques for protection
against pests, germination and growth
enhancement.
Homogenous application
Seed germination depends on several
factors including a suitable germinating
environment and seed dormancy
due to external or physiological/
genetic factors, but seed treatments
help improve seed germination.
Furthermore, pre-sowing treated
seeds exhibit uniform germination
due to the homogenous application
68
of seed treatment to all seeds. Seed
treatments are broadly categorized
into seed priming (pre-sowing seed
soaking treatments) and seed coating.
In seed priming, seeds are moderately
hydrated to the point where pre-
germination metabolic processes begin
without actual germination followed by
redrying to near initial status for routine
handling. Seeds are usually soaked in:
• Water (hydropriming)
• Aerated with low-water potential
solutions of different salts
(osmopriming)
• Macro/micronutrients (e.g. ZnSO4,
H3BO3, MnSO4, CoSO4) (nutripriming)
• Plant growth regulators
• Plant growth-promoting bacteria
• Plant-based natural extracts
(biopriming)
The seed priming technique has
proved effective in improving crop
establishment and plant growth
Figure 1. Advantages of microelements seed treatments
under less-than-optimal growth
environments (see figure 1). The
micronutrients usually applied through
seed treatments include boron, copper,
manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
Seeds primed with microelements
exhibit uniform and synchronized
emergence due to less imbibition
time, enzyme activation and build-
up of germination enhancing
metabolites. Seed priming possibly
upregulates the genes/transporters
involved in the acquisition and uptake
of micronutrients which help in
accelerated uptake of microelements
from the soil. Primed seeds exhibit
faster root growth which helps the
developing plant extract water and
nutrients from deeper soil layers (see
figure 1).
Seed coating
Seed coating involves adhering to or
covering of seed surface with nutrients,
growth regulators, pesticides or
biological agents using some inert
material, aimed at improving the
protection, handling, germination and
growth enhancement. Seed coating
is practiced for many agronomic and
horticultural crops globally, and its
value was estimated to be USD53.8
mn in 2014 and the seed coating
Seed coating treatment involves the
covering of the seed surface with a thin
layer of external material
material market (binders, polymers
and colourants) is projected to reach
USD3.9 bn by 2030.
The basic seed coating treatment
involves the covering of the seed
surface with a thin layer of external
material (10% of seed weight). Seed
encrusting (increasing the seed weight
by 1-5-fold with external material with
still evident original seed shape) and
seed pelleting (the higher rate of
external material masks the original
seed shape) involves physical the
modifications of seeds.
Binders and fillers are the structural
materials (natural or synthetic) used
in the seed coating which provide
adhesion/cohesion and retention of
active material on the seed surface.
Most commonly used binding materials
are Arabic gum, polyethylene glycol,
polyvinyl acetate, methylcellulose,
ethyl cellulose, chitosan and polyvinyl
alcohol. Inert materials such as
calcium carbonate, diatomaceous
earth, bentonite, wood dust and
69
Microelements FEATURE
sand are used as fillers. Fillers and
binders should be compatible with
active ingredients and not negatively
influence seed germination and
seedling growth. Based on seed coat
characteristics the applied chemical
can be dissolved and translocated
into the seed after imbibition and
if the seed coat is impermeable to
the active ingredients, the uptake
should be carried out by developing
a radicle or root system. In the case
of micronutrient seed coating, the
nutrient source is applied on the seed
surface which is adhered to by the
above-mentioned binders and fillers
depending upon the seed size, crop
type, compatibility of nutrient source
and binding material. Microelement
seed coating results in accelerated
growth, as well as timely and
economical nutrient supply to the crop.
Nutrient seed treatment formulations
and doses are safe and optimized/
designed to avoid phytotoxicity and
patchy/irregular seedling emergence in
the field.
September/October 2022
FEATURE Microelements FEATURE

Micronutrients Figure 2. Global agriculture micronutrient and seed treatment

such as zinc play market share

a crucial role in 15
2022 2027

germination 12

Billion USD
Reducing micronutrient
deficiency 6

Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn)

play a crucial role in the activation of 3
germination enzyme activation and
early seedling growth. Thus, seed
treatment with microelements is the 0
best technique to fulfil the micronutrient Agriculture micronutrients market Seed treatment market
demand during early plant growth.
Source: researchandmarkets.com
The applied nutrient via seed priming
or seed coating is available in the
vicinity of germinating plant. The
developing seedling does not have a
to hold this leading position in future. treatments (seed priming and seed
well-developed root system and thus
The major share of Zn is mainly due coating) has provided fruitful results in
relies on seed reserves during the early
to the increasing awareness of zinc limiting crop micronutrient deficiency.
growth phase. Seed treatment with
deficiency in soils across the globe Furthermore, the seeds treated with
microelements augments the nutrient
and its wide range of functions in crop micronutrients have exhibited a strong
reserve of the seed which reduces the
plants. The rising attention toward ability to tolerate sub-optimal growth
chances of micronutrient deficiency
food security challenges and Zn environments. The seed treatment
during the early phase of plant growth
biofortification to limit Zn malnutrition industry is rapidly growing across the
resulting in better plant establishment,
has further accelerated the use of Zn globe due to low seeding and fertilizer
growth and ultimately a higher yield.
fertilizers in crops. Among plants, rates, easy application and handling,
The micronutrient seed treatment
cereals and grain crops receive the multiple benefits of the product, and
provides plants with the opportunity to
largest share of the overall agriculture higher crop yield.
start faster and access the soil nutrient
micronutrient market due to their
reserves through a finely developed root Agriculture expansion in developing
largest share in daily caloric intake.
system. Micronutrient seed treatment countries is further supporting this
helps in uniform and early crop stand, market. The rising global concern
better root development, resistance on environmental degradation and
against herbicide stress, better nutrient Rising awareness the focus on sustainable agriculture
and water uptake, as well as helping Micronutrient application was practices has boosted the growth of the
stress tolerance due to better nutrient neglected in the past by resource- seed treatment industry in recent years.
availability and utilization. poor farmers because they only Further, global and local environmental
relied on macronutrient application. and agriculture organizations and
The micronutrient fertilizer market is
However, the farmers cannot achieve governments’ attention to promoting
rapidly growing and the current market
the potential yield with all input and agriculture in developing countries
value of this industry is worth USD4.3
crop management practices if there will accelerate the growth of this
bn – this is projected to grow by
is micronutrient deficiency. With the market in the future. The popularity
USD6.4 bn by 2027. Likewise, the size
rising awareness among the farming of micronutrient-coated seeds is
of global seed treatment market size
community about the importance of rising due to their better performance
is USD7.37 bn and is expected to swell
micronutrients in crop growth and than non-treated seeds. Increasing
to USD12.4 bn over the next five years
yield, rising food security needs to demand for high-value commercial
(see figure 2).
produce more food for multiplying crops, rapidly growing agriculture and
The Zn segment commands the major global population, particularly in associated industries are expected to
share by type in the agricultural developing countries. The application fuel the expansion of the seed treatment
micronutrients market and is projected of micronutrients through seed industry in the coming years.

Fertilizer Focus 70 71 September/October 2022

FEATURE Fertilizer research
Research and increased
understanding is key for
the EEF market
Written by
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) staff, USA
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers continue improving as research at manufacturers and
universities progresses. Plus, a new fertilizer technology readies for field trials.
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers
(EEFs) are sound components of
today’s nutrient management plans.
According to the latest figures
from the International Fertilizer
Association (IFA), worldwide demand
(excluding China) for controlled
release fertilizers was estimated at
920,000 t in 2019. This was a 2%
decrease from 2018, most of which
was attributed to inclement weather
in North America, which is still the
largest market, followed by East Asia
(excluding China).
More broadly, worldwide demand
(excluding China) for stabilized
nitrogen fertilizers was 8.3 mn t in
2019, a drop of 2% from 2018, this
was attributable to bad weather in
North America, East Asia and Oceania,
according to IFA.
While these figures note a slight
decline in EEF demand, manufacturers
have an optimistic outlook as they
note increasing acceptance of EEFs by
farmers, crop advisers, researchers
and extension personnel. They
attribute part of this success to
standardization of product terms,
ongoing university research, product
Fertilizer Focus
(left to right) Alan Blaylock, senior agronomist, Nutrien; Curt
Woolfolk, senior manager, crop nutrition technologies, Mosaic;
Keith Byerly, commercial sustainability lead, Mosaic; Corey
Rosenbusch, President and CEO, TFI
development and on-the-ground
results observed by farmers.
“These products are a valuable
instrument in growers’ toolboxes,”
said TFI President and CEO Corey
Rosenbusch. “As external demands for
sustainability grow, EEFs should play a
key role in on-farm stewardship.”
“I always remind people that an EEF is
a product that reduces nutrient losses
to the environment while increasing
nutrient availability for the plant or
crop. The term is used broadly and
72
generically on occasion,” said Curt
Woolfolk, senior manager of crop
nutrition technologies for Mosaic.
“But, the Association of American
Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO)
provides terms and definition for
EEFs to provide uniformity to fertilizer
laws in North America. The term was
first used around 1999 with nitrogen
products and has evolved with the
inclusion of other nutrients over time.
“Around 2018, AAPFCO designated
the categories for EEFs as stabilized
Figure 1. 2019 Global Demand 2019 Global Demand for Special Products (ex. China) - CRF, SNF, &WSF
9.0
8.0
7.0
Product (million) tons
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0 CAGR 2016 -19: -0.5%
1.0
0.0
CRF
• Finalized 2019 (world excluding China) demand
estimated at ~12Mt; ~1.5% CAGR.
• 2018 vs 2019 demand No growth: Due to decline in CRF
&SNF consumption, BUT +6% growth in WSF.
and slow-release, which helped. In
2020 AAPFCO officials released terms
and definitions around secondary
macronutrients such as sulphur. This
allowed us to be the first manufacturer
to release a co-granulated phosphate
source with an EEF designation.”
“These definitions continue to provide
clarity and meaning to manufacturers,
researchers and most importantly,
customers,” Woolfolk added.
“We hear regularly that our work with
AAPFCO to ensure accuracy and clarity
in fertilizer definitions is essential,”
said Corey Rosenbusch. “As new
products are brought to market, we
will work with our members to engage
AAPFCO on this front.”
Research, visibility
improve acceptance
Alan Blaylock is a senior agronomist
with Nutrien and has worked in the EEF
sector for 25 years. He credits a focus
on research as key to the increased
acceptance by advisers and researchers
and growing use of EEFs on farms.
CAGR 2016 -19: +1%
SNF
2016 2017 2018 2019
• Overall, steady growth in this segment with interest
from both the public (policy) and private sectors
• Note: Revision of estimates: Latin America and East
Asia
Sharing research results goes a long
way to create awareness
“Nutrien, along with other
companies, sponsors a great
deal of university research,” he
said. “Having this research and
development draws attention
to the products. As researchers
publish their work and Extension
specialists make presentations,
it improves understanding of how
EEF technologies work – what they
do, what they won’t do, where they
fit or don’t fit. Keep in mind we’ve
used some of these chemistries for
decades, but we’ve made adjustments
and changed formulations to improve
handling, storage and efficacy. With
this has come an improved knowledge
and awareness of the products, as
well as how to properly use them.”
Blaylock added that the research
confirms that EEFs integrate well with
4R management practices. “In some
cases, there may be an EEF substitute
73
Fertilizer research FEATURE
CAGR 2016 -19: +3%
WSF
for another practice,” he said. “For
example, we know we often get better
nitrogen efficiency by applying it in
multiple applications. However, in
some cases, a slow-release fertilizer
can achieve the same result in a single
application. We get better results when
we follow the right rate, timing, rate and
source principles as you might expect.”
Awareness and acceptance
No doubt the publishing and sharing
of research results goes a long way
to creating awareness, acceptance
and even growth of EEF market share.
On-farm success is also propelling
manufacturers’ optimism.
“It’s likely some farmers are using a
form of EEF with their nitrogen and may
not realize the EEF moniker is attached
to the product they’re using to ensure
nutrients are there when the crop needs
September/October 2022
FEATURE Fertilizer research
We must get the most out
of any macronutrient and
micronutrient
Results of cotton roots grown using IFWN
technology show the effects of increasing
amounts of seed grind applied to seeds A, B
and C before planting. The root marked BL is
the baseline
them,” said Keith Byerly, commercial
sustainability lead at Mosaic. “They may
be buying a stabilized product to get
through a traditionally rainy time of year
and focus only on product efficacy, not
category.”
Newly forming markets hold promise
for EEFs. Byerly said as opportunities
for farmers to participate in carbon
sequestration programs increase, so
do opportunities to use EEFs.
“There is more to consider than cover
crops and tillage reduction now,” he
said. “From a grower’s soil health
standpoint, one of the more positive
impacts we can help with is to make
Fertilizer Focus
Old is new again
While enhanced efficiency fertilizers
are improving nutrient availability
worldwide, a new technology is
showing promise in greenhouse trials.
it is based on a plants basic need for
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
It was developed by Ray Shirley (left),
chief innovations specialist with Innovations for World
Nutrition (IFWN) and his team, with the assistance of
Applied Chemical Technology. Test results show robust root
profiles and 50% yield increases while using normal N, P
and K applications on corn, cotton, rice and wheat seed.
“IFWN provides an early boost of CO2 and a quick amount of
energy,” Shirley said. “We take seed and grind it so there’s
no longer any active seed. We then apply this grind - not
flour - to active seeds and it fortifies them. Along with
this, we apply bicarbonates because we found that CO2
in bicarbonate form will go into the soil quickly and be
available to plant roots. The energy it would normally get
from leaves, we’re giving to the plant in sugars.”
“We started our research with rice because it’s the number
one food in the world,” Shirley said. “The yield increases
come from plants being better able to use the N, P and K
that are applied.”
Shirley said the process is akin to the long-ago practice of
planting a small fish or part of a fish with each seed.
IFWN received a patent for the technology, one of 15 Shirley
has received for various technological advancements.
Private trials are scheduled for next year and IFWN says the
technology is available for license to companies who will
move it toward supplying food for the world.
More information is available via email: ifwn@ifwnglobal.com
sure we do the best job at creating Byerly added that as the cropping
maximum biomass for the cropping system moves from solely cash
system we’re supporting. This means crops to a system that includes cash
really thinking through what these crops, cover crops and microbial
EEFs are designed to do. activity, it further accentuates the
importance of how EEF technology
“We must get the most out of any
plays into the plant nutritional
macronutrient, micronutrient or
system.
secondary nutrient that we can into
plants. If we create more biomass, it “As we consider feeding a crop
means we can sequester more carbon. longer than a 90- or 180-day
If we sequester more carbon, we’ll growing season, the importance of
create more organic matter over time. nutrient availability to cover crops
This gives growers the benefit of having and microbial life is critical for
better water filtration, more water however long that time may be,” he
holding capacity, increased earthworm said. “EEFs will ensure we can meet
activity and microbial activity.” these nutrient needs.”
74
Potash production
at the Dead Sea:
A story of vision, innovation and unique geopolitics
Written by
Hillel Magen, Independent Agriculture Technology Consultant, Israel
In 1930, after almost 80 years of
German dominance in the global
potash market and with a major supply
disruption in WWI, Moshe Novomeisky
(1873-1961), a very experienced
mining engineer and entrepreneur
from Siberia and Major T. G. Tulloch
(1866-1938) a veteran British army
officer who lived in Jericho, received a
concession from the British Mandate to
develop potash and bromine extraction
from the waters of the Dead Sea. This
started a new page in the history of
potash production.
By the end of the 18th century, it was
quite well known that the chemical
composition of the Dead Sea water was
S’dom site workers area 1940s with S’dom mount behind
unique, with its richness in sodium,
magnesium, chloride and potassium.
Known then as “Lake Asphaltite”, it
has attracted many travellers interested
in the water level versus sea level, its
geology and the flora and fauna around
the sea. The conditions were harsh and
even dangerous and some, especially
those who chose to travel in summer,
lost their lives.
Simultaneously, yet independently,
both the ‘Theory of Mineral Nutrition
of Plants and the Law of Minimum’
and the commercial mining of Potash
started around 1850, both by German
scientists and industry. As potash
mining became a significant buisness,
75
Potash history FEATURE
Theodor Herzl, the founder of the
Zionist movement, marked it as an
essential project for development of
the Zionist movement in Palestine.
Herzl was also influenced by the
German commercial attaché in
Constantinopole who advised the
German potash industry to expand
to other regions, including the North
shores of the Dead Sea. Potash was a
rising commodity.
Potash demand picked up quickly - in
1862 the first 20,000 t potash salt was
produced in Stassfurt (Staßfurt), and
then during next 45 years production
steadily increased to reach 7 mn t by
1909, with an average price of 10-12
German Mark per ton. Moreover, during
these years, potash use as a fertilizer
became more widespread then its
industrial uses such as explosives and
other chemical industry uses, the US
being the most important consumer
outside of Germany.
Research trips
Between 1894 and 1904, German
geologist, Dr. Max Blanckenhorn
conducted four research trips to the
Dead Sea. These were in fact the
scientific basis for the industrial
exploitation of the minerals from
the sea, based on the process that
Novomeisky had developed.
September/October 2022
FEATURE Potash history Potash history FEATURE

Moshe Novomeisky Figure 1. Potash production at the Dead Sea, from the year of
developed the consession until 1947

industrial process
120

100

for potash

'000 mt potash
80

extraction based
60

40

on Blanckenhorn’s 20

research 0

30

39
32

42
34

44
31

41
33

43
35

45
37

47
38
36

46
40
19

19
19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19
19

19

19

19
Year

Potash production at Kalia, northern shore Potash production at S'dom

The person that combined it all to from
a laboratory analysis of water of the
Dead Sea into a strong presence in the
potash market is Moshe Novomeisky.
Born 1873 in Barguzin, Siberia,
grandson to a Jewish refugee family
that fled from Poland, he studied
mining engineering and in 1898 he
completed his studies, including a
period in Clausthal, near Hannover,
Germany. When in Germany, he spent
his holidays working lead and copper
mines, but also in Stassfurt, the
‘potash capital’ of the world during
these days. He mentions in his book
that at that time he did not even
dream that he would devote himself
to the development of potash in
Israel. From 1900 to his first visit in
Palestine in 1911, the young mining
engineer Novomeisky developed in
Siberia a business in sodium sulphate
production from which he generated
capital to be later used in developing
the process of extracting potash from
the water of the Dead Sea. In 1914,
after his return to Siberia, and back
from his first visit to the Dead Sea,
he starts a new business of gold
extraction using innovative dredging
on frozen riverbeds with special
machinery brought from the UK – the
first time that electrical generated
industrial equipment was used in
Siberia. Moshe also learns that
working in remote places (such as in
Siberia) requires good relations and
trust between the local workers, their
communities and the industry. Hence
in 1921, when Novomeisky applies for
a concession to develop potash and
The Potash plant at Kalia, the Northern shores of the Dead Sea, 1930s
bromine production from the Dead
Sea, he is already 48 years of age,
with a solid proven record of industrial
activity - and capital. He is not only a
Zionist dreamer and ideologist, but
also a successful, able and impressive
entrepreneur. The British must have
realized that as well, otherwise why
grant him the concession?
Growing potash market
The need to develop the Dead Sea
was not only Herzl’s Zionist vision.
At the beginning of the 20th century
there is a growing potash market,
with one supplier leading and
controlling it - Germany. A fair entry
for hungry entrepreneurs. In 1913,
Tosdal (published by Oxford Journals)
writes that “The actual source of the
world’s potash supply is at present in
the deposits of potash salts found in
northern Germany. The great Stassfurt
potash industry is based on the
presence of those salts…Germany
thus possesses a practically complete
monopoly of potash salts”.
In 1914 with WWI, the German potash
industry was instructed to impose
an immediate embargo on all potash
deliveries out of Germany (for both,
fertilizer and the explosives industry).
This will last until the end of the war.
Consequently, the price of potash in
the USA before WW1 was USD~8-10/t,
Moshe Novomeisky, the pioneer
who initiated and built potash
production at the Dead Sea
(1873-1961)
Germany prohibited
potash sales during
WW1 (1914-1917)
but after the German sanction rose to
USD150/t.
The British were aware of the riches of
the Dead Sea. In 1917, when General
Allenby captured Jerusalem, he sent
Major T.G. Tulloch, a competent
engineer, to survey the potential
of the Dead Sea. Tulloch was a bit
disappointed when Churchill turned
down his first request (submitted
1918) for the concession, but few
years later, in 1923 he successfully
applied with Novomeisky to start
the new Palestine Potash Company
founded in 1929. The economic
value of the Dead Sea is enormous.
In 1927, a detailed report from The
New York Times stated: “The Dead
Sea Guards A Colossal Fortune; Pure
Potash and Other Important Salts,
Valued at USD1,200,000,000,000,
Await Recovery in the Creation of the
First Great Industry in the Orient…
For the first time we shall witness the
Potash plant and evaporation ponds Kalia 1930s
transference of a great industry from
the Occident to the Orient”.
The successful submission for
the concession in 1929 was only
after almost nine tedious years
of elaborations and discussions
between Novomeisky (and other
concessionaries) and the British
government. A major issue discussed
was that there could be no access
whatsoever to the German potash
industry, which would secure potash
supplies to the crown in a crisis.
Indeed, during WWII, potash from the
Dead Sea supplied 50% of UK potash
demand, and 80% of the British
Commonwealth needs.
Global impact
Eventually the agreement was signed
on behalf of the Governments of
Palestine and Transjordania by
the Senior Crown Agent and by
Novomeisky and Tulloch in behalf of
the concessionaries.
Once WWII came to an end, the potash
market returned back to its usual
growth pace and farmers around the
world learnt more and more of the
value of this fertilizer. There was a fair
appetite to supply more potash to the
growing market, and to get away from
the German grip of the market.
The presence of the Dead Sea potash
industry was very significant. In 1943,
50% of global potash reserves were
in Germany, 25% at the Dead Sea, the
remainder in Russia, France, and Spain.
During WWII, after additional sanctions
on the German potash industry,
Palestine Potash was able to expand to
the markets in the USA, UK and China,
mitigating the adverse effect of another
German potash embargo. Clearly, the
onset of potash production at the Dead
Sea had a global impact.
In 1930, after 80 years of German
dominance in the potash market
with two major supply disruptions
in WWI and WWII along with quickly
growing demand for potash fertilizers,
a very experienced mining engineer
and entrepreneur from Siberia and a
veteran British army major that lived
in Jericho started a new page in the
history of potash.
About the author
Hillel Magen worked for Dead
Sea and ICL since the early 1990s
until his retirement last year.
He was also the Director of the
International Potash Institute (IPI)
2004-2021. Since his retirement he
is an independent consultant with
ag tech incubators and companies.

Fertilizer Focus 76 77 September/October 2022

 Fertilizer Focus heritage
FEATURE

Brought to you

Fertilizer Fo
by Argus Me
dia

OUR
Vol 38 • Issu
e 4 – July/Au

cuIsNCREIATSSEWYITH
gust 2021

Argus produces the most comprehensive 10

CONTENTS

4 Commentary

suite of pricing and market intelligence F T

Soil nutrient security

PRO LLIGEN
6
collaboration
10 Mosaic and Bioconsortia
production
12 Zero-waste fertilizer

services available to the fertilizer industry INTEUTIONS

15 News in brief
20 Synthetic gypsum

SOL
and the circular economy
T 24 Ammonium sulphate

!
MEN

2021
COM 28 Blockchain tracking
fertilizer sustainability

rig hter
oab
30 MARKET ANALYSIS
ent,

re’s t
First published in February 1984 by FMB
31 Soft commodity update velopm
ss De

He
tity update Busine
20 esiden
34 Hard commod
12 n by ce Pr
Writte eld, Vi and trade news . On be
half
Hatfi 37 Shipping r 2021 happy
Oliver edia, UK cus fo a
s M 40 Price watch rtilizer Fo r readers

Consultants, Argus’ Fertilizer Focus is the

Argu rld in wo
of Fe sh ou veloped after
issue we wi de ead,
e first er team e in the e ye ar ah red FOCUS
to th rtiliz a va ccin FERTILIZ heLOGY
ome 43s FeSUPPLEM of ENT: out thERha TECHNO
s weat more
Welc e Argu ic ab n
th vent timist industry ould ru ramm
es
of all ar. The ad to be op a plant
rti liz erdesign et innovati
s sh ons
n prog
s
oundAmmoni
ye 44 rk io
new the fe ma inat
rous me gr though ably well, mass vacc

world’s leading bi-monthly journal serving

os pe us so Al blending technolo gy
and pr er gives tic 202047 us
. reason nt
Equipme andout of of
mb ao 19 vir th e roll . th is issue en that
ce ch D- ce giv
De times e COVI yond,Revamp on ment
veing ageing facilities cs in ion
a somepact of th and be50 of mo er topi ial attent . In Brazil,
edom fertiliz s specstorage 2020 ks
the im ly in 2021 eater fre 53 Optimiz impo
rtant
ing bulkgis fertilizer
tic VID in me bottl to fully
enec
th
smoo to allow gr veral give lo by CO co y
on se opriate to disrupted es to over try’s abilit des
starts light

the international fertilizer industry. It

pr t g strid cialising un clu
e spot seems ap e mos ofkin the co soluble This in SOP s
50 ine th It 56 en th
beChalleng esma commer
is iting vantage. , and road
We sh er Focus. en try , lim
ve oft the coun headwind titiveium ad ks
tworapplicat
nethe untryion
, to of
Fertiliz chains ha ho w
Event areview: Sympos
m pe ay on e co
ly ain 58 d as
tura l co te rw th able
supp nsult expl ally acte agriculsolubiliz ingd wabacteria re of
e cent expected
to en explain
ric silicon rail an C
Agroco have histo bstantial ture, the s in th e at IFD
su uc state g and ar lleagues untries of
which lise on its rt 62 infrastr ucing events
prod and
People goin . Our co co ,

covers the key developments influencing

capita ents in poe key crop are on th le the ulture
stm ents growth pa ial to enab tput agric and food
investmconnect th ese inve fertilizer is essent d ou verty tics
Th st FOCUS: a ASIA put an ues of po oved logis s
which markets. 63 SPECIAL
bu Af ric in pr er
rt its ro West to high stent iss and im d fertiliz
expo to continue gistics in formation investme pe rsi nts in
n co Asia
sts po rte
Brazil focus on 64theNew
lo transfertilizer inent’s actio find im w.
e cont tion trans ntinue tosubsidy lo me
main program
a ke
how to ma addrUpdate: ess th po rta
ns The Indian will fertilizer
co

fertilizer and related markets, such as

gion 70 will re ticle
ful ar n to beco
me a
the re can in turn t lower tra countries put rates ht a
53 e in insig 25e regio
2021-20 ter is
Complex in
ou
in thesd fe rtilizer strategy
which rity. With 73ers China’s fertilizer in an h
ntion tential of
th y of wa or soil bulk
a dry
novation: insecu ies, farm nsive, an er atte abilit po
po avail gion, ts ding busin
nc
efficie itively expe a furth ing the infall and tivity in re vestmen be fin
• Asia focus
ib of Afric nsider ra
inent eman, co . Although tural prod licies an optimizi nity
uc d in ng ight th of
your
total
The future of proh
e the
co nt
nk Br mark
et
agric
ul
s that
po nsider portu
nge m
challe stainable
grow at. A
just th liable, a

production economics, technology, plant facility desig • Zero-waste

We giv uted by He fertilizer of greater conclude ey also co ins an op omotion
e
contrib on tonn potential r issue. It sense if
th e rema oduct pr
Your
ble, su
profita rtise can
provide
cient
, re

n • Blockc production
illi e
100 m limiting th uch grea only ma
r m
te
n
facto ons are a e irrigatio me time. e growth n service
ke
Furth
e, ther
ermor tential by
po s.
pr
will
pe
Our ex operations
are effi

hain networ
iti
cond g to impr
ov sa
at the nefit from t of extens
th io which
erence e crisis in
to ensu
res
in
k
seek e of Fertilizer
er s Focus
fertiliz ucers to be
group force
men
gus Af
rica Co nf
‘turn
ing th ributions
nt

and project news, and product logistics.

the us lizer prodMedia
Argus d rein ing Ar theme of clude co ll be
cosmRoad,
rti Lacon ion, an 84 Theobald
stratHouse, the up event has
a in
g will rs, who
wi e first
for fe mon le tin th
and de London, we pr 8NL
ofi al mee inne clude d
a, WC1X e virtu gion. The o prize-w ll also in utions an com
ertell.
Af ric ry. Th re tw wi
g in brua the ding issues. It ng contrib We look
Stayin ace in Fefertilizer@ th’ in argusmed incluia.com t di l. s-siw
take
pl Email: d grow speakers, t reizer levan outstan stry pane bruk GR OU
P
nity an ni
rtuwww.argu or
smedia.c e mos recognise pert indu
om/fertil ER TE LL
oppo e most se bating th ll ex S SIW
ich wi m an
UK
th de OF BR
from sing and ar ds, wh cation fro A PA
RT

discus rtilizer Aw der adjudi u there. July/August 2021

3 Africa Feements, un y meeting yo
achiev d to virtuall
forwar

cus
er Fo
Fertiliz

Fertilizer Focus
Drawing on Argus’s unrivalled expertise and wealth of contacts from our market reporting, consulting
and conferences, the editorial content in Fertilizer Focus covers the issues which are top-of-mind for
senior executives in the industry. As an advertiser, your message reaches decision makers throughout
the world and positions you as a thought-leader on the cutting edge topics which will define the future
of the industry. The magazine features a unique blend of news, features, interviews and analysis of all
Media pack 2022 aspects of the fertilizer industry, including:
▸ New product developments – fertilizer blends, enhanced efficiency ingredients, micronutrients,
liquid fertilizers
▸ Fertilizer production technology across all products
▸ Port logistics and shipping
▸ Company strategy, industry developments and emerging markets
▸ Agronomic analysis and changes in agricultural practice impacting fertilizers

Fertilizer Focus
Fertilizer Focus
78
page 1
Brought to you by Argus Media
Brought to you by Argus Media Fertilizer Focus 79
page 2 Brought to you by Argus Media
September/October 2022
Editorial schedule Distribution
FEATURE FEATURE

January/February issue March/April issue Sector leading digital and hard copy distribution
Advertising due date - 3 December 2021 Advertising due date - 11 February 2022
Published six times a year, the magazine is read by subscribers in over 90 countries. Fertilizer Focus has a unique, best in class
SPECIAL FOCUS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS SPECIAL FOCUS - THE FERTILIZER ECONOMY distribution, benefiting from Argus’ unrivaled presence in the fertilizer sector - the digital circulation of the magazine in December
2021 was around 4500 and is growing substantially each month. Around three quarters of our digital recipients are paying
▸ Shipping crisis update ▸ Financial instruments in fertilizer trading
subscribers to Argus fertilizer market intelligence, news and analytics services. This encompasses executives and decision makers
▸ Fertilizer storage innovation ▸ Global fertilizer supply and demand in all of the major fertilizer producers, traders, importers and buyers, as well as sector focused financial institutions, shippers,
▸ Supply chain risks ▸ Consolidation and acquisitions plant contractors, government agencies and trade associations.
Our key magazine features are socialized to leading media platforms facebook Twitter linkedin-in INSTAGRAM
SUPPLEMENT - MIDDLE EAST SUPPLEMENT - AMERICAS
▸ Challenges and opportunities for Middle East fertilizer ▸ Supply and demand in Brazil
Reader profile Global distribution breakdown
producers ▸ Trade routes in South and Central America
▸ Sulphur production developments ▸ Next generation farming Our unique and unrivaled circulation means your Our geographic distribution is aligned with the broader Argus fertilizer
▸ Profile of regional P and K sector messages reach the industry’s most important customer base.
decision makers. 11%
May/June issue July/August issue 11% Regional distribution of Fertilizer Focus recipients
11%
% of all Fertilizer Focus recipients with the
11% Russia and
Advertising due date - 13 April 2022 Advertising due date - 16 June 2022 following in their job title 16% North Europe 26% Northeast
Central Asia 5%
16% America 24% Asia 8%
49% 16%
SPECIAL FOCUS - ADDED VALUE FERTILIZERS SPECIAL FOCUS - LOW AND ZERO CARBON AMMONIA 49% 11% 16%
▸ European biostimulant regulatory update ▸ Opportunities for nitrogen producers in new hydrogen markets 49%
49% 12%
▸ Digital applications for fertilizers ▸ Economics of low and zero carbon ammonia 3%16% 12%
49% 3% 12%
▸ Emerging markets for AVFs ▸ Regulatory environment for the development of low and 7%3%
12%
zero carbon markets 7%3%
SUPPLEMENT - ASIA 7% 12%
7%
3%
▸ Trade routes in India SUPPLEMENT - AFRICA 7%Director, Vice President
Executive, President,
▸ China’s fertilizer strategy and policy ▸ Fertilizer logistics in East Africa Executive, President, Director, Vice President
Executive, President,
Executive, President, Director,
Director, Vice President
Vice President
▸ Improving ROI and crop yields in Asian crops ▸ Finance options for the African fertilizer supply chain Manager,
Executive,Head, Consultant,
President, Director,Advisor
Vice President
Manager, Head, Consultant,
Manager, Head, Consultant, Advisor
Advisor
▸ Agricultural transformation developments and strategies Manager, Head, Consultant, Advisor
Sales,
Manager,Commercial, Marketing,
Head, Consultant, Supply
Advisor
Sales, Commercial,
Sales, Marketing,
Commercial, Marketing, Supply Supply
September/October issue November/December issue Sales, Commercial, Marketing, Supply
Procurement,
Sales, Commercial,
Procurement, Buyer,
Buyer, Purchaser,
Marketing,
Purchaser, Sourcing,
Sourcing,Supply
Business
Procurement,
Development Buyer, Purchaser, Sourcing,
Business Development
Advertising due date - 17 August 2022 Advertising due date - 7 October 2022 Procurement,
Business Intelligence, Strategy, Accountant,Sourcing,
Buyer,
Analyst,Development Purchaser, Finance,
Analyst,
InvestorIntelligence,
Procurement,
Business Buyer,
Development
Relations, Strategy, Accountant,
Purchaser,
Economics Sourcing,
SPECIAL FOCUS - ENHANCED EFFICIENCY FERTILIZERS SPECIAL FOCUS - FERTILIZER SUSTAINABILITY
Analyst,
Finance,
Business Intelligence,
Investor Relations,
Development Strategy, Accountant,
Economics Latin America 6% Middle East South and ROW 11%
Analyst,
Other Intelligence,
Finance, Investor Relations, Strategy, Accountant,
Economics & Africa 15% SE Asia 13%
Other
Analyst, Intelligence, Strategy, Accountant,
▸ Enhanced efficiency market developments ▸ Role of organo-mineral fertilizers for plant nutrition Finance,
Other Investor Relations, Economics
Finance,
Other Investor Relations, Economics
▸ Seed treatment with microelements ▸ The regulatory environment for improving fertilizer
Unique event distribution
Other
▸ The developing market for water soluble fertilizers sustainability Global and regional physical and digital industry events
▸ Measuring fertilizer producer ESG performance Fertilizer Focus is distributed to every one of the ▸ AFA Annual Fertilizer Forum & Exhibition, Egypt
SUPPLEMENT - EUROPE
▸ TFI Annual Meeting, USA
▸ Supply and demand in key European markets SUPPLEMENT - INDIA thousands of delegates attending Argus’ fertilizer
▸ Fertasa Annual Congress
▸ European fertilizer regulation update ▸ Fertilizer transport and logistics conferences around the world, and available at all ▸ West Africa Fertilizer – Togo
▸ Precision agriculture for improving crop yields in Europe ▸ The fertilizer subsidy programme in India of the major global and regional industry events. ▸ IFA Annual Conference
▸ India: Supply and demand ▸ Southwest Fertilizer, USA
Fertilizer Focus will continue to give you unrivaled ▸ TFI World Fertilizer, USA
events positioning. The pandemic temporarily ▸ IFA Crossroads
▸ FAI Annual Seminar, India
restricted the ability of Argus and other events
organizers to deliver physical events, but this is Argus events
changing. Argus’ industry leading conferences are
returning in their traditional physical format and our ▸ Fertilizer Latino Americano (FLA)
▸ Argus Asia Fertilizer
magazine will be delivered to registrants at both
▸ Argus East Europe Fertilizer
physical and digital conferences. ▸ Argus Europe Fertilizer
▸ Argus Green Ammonia

Fertilizer Focus
Fertilizer Focus 80
page 3 Brought to you by Argus Media
Fertilizer Focus 81
page 4
September/October 2022
Brought to you by Argus Media
Advertising rates 2022 Advertising specifications
FEATURE FEATURE

Cover rates Editorial & advertising schedule 2022 Full page

EUR USD Edition Due date Trim size:
Outside front package 5,000 6,000 January/February 3 December 297mm(h) x 210mm(w)
Bleed size:
Inside front cover 3,000 3,740 March/April 11 February
303mm(h) x 216mm(w)
Inside back cover 2,900 3,530 Maj/June 13 April Type area:
Outside back cover 3,360 4,080 July/August 16 June 275mm(h) x 185mm(w)
September/October 17 August
November/December 7 October
Run of press 2 Issues 3 -5 Issues 6 Issues HALF PAGE (Horizontal)
1 Issue SIZE & POSITION
rates (10% discount) (20% discount) (30% discount) Trim size:
EUR USD EUR USD EUR USD EUR USD Once you have booked your advertisement please ensure 128mm(h) x 180mm(w)
you supply the artwork at the correct size, as below. Please Type area:
Double page 5,320 6,460 4,790 5,748 4,250 5,100 3,720 4,464 118mm(h) x 170mm(w)
note: ‘Trim size’ is the actual size that the advertisement
Full page 2,600 3,120 2,340 2,808 2,080 2,496 1,820 2,184 will appear in the publication. ‘Bleed size’ is the size
Half page 2,200 2,640 1,980 2,376 1,760 2,112 1,540 1,848 your advertisement needs to be supplied to us including
Third page 1,550 1,860 1,395 1,674 1,240 1,488 1,085 1,302 the required 3mm bleed (if full page). ‘Type area’ is the HALF PAGE (Vertical)
suggested area that any text or important information should
Quarter page 1,450 1,740 1,305 1,566 1,160 1,392 1,015 1,218 sit within to ensure details have some clear space around
Trim size:
250mm(h) x 86mm(w)
them for clarity.
Type area:
For more details or to discuss our requirements please contact 240mm(h) x 76mm(w)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Kate Shanley: Kate.Shanley@argusmedia.com
Please ensure your advertisement is produced
professionally, and in accordance with the following criteria: THIRD PAGE (Horizontal)
▸ All artwork should be CMYK colour (No Pantone/Spot
Trim size:
colours)
62mm(h) x 180mm(w)
▸ All fonts should be embedded or outlined
▸ All images within the artwork must be at least 300dpi Type area:
resolution and in CMYK colour 54mm(h) x 172mm(w)
▸ For Full Page adverts please include 3mm bleed and
crop marks
THIRD PAGE (Vertical)
FILE FORMAT & SUPPLY Trim size:
122mm(h) x 112mm(w)
Our preferred file type is a high resolution PDF to the
the following specification when exported from Adobe Type area:
InDesign: 114mm(h) x 104mm(w)
▸ Adobe PDF Preset: PDF/X-4:2008
▸ Colour Profile: Coated FOGRA39 (ISO 12647-2:2004) Please note: Bleed is not required for Half Page
The above will ensure your advertisement appears in the and Third Page advertisements as these formats
sit within the page, however we do recommend
best possible quality, however if you are unable to supply your advertisement includes a keyline/border if it
as a PDF we will accept a 300dpi JPEG or TIFF file in CMYK has a white background.
colour format.

If you have any queries regarding our specifications or to send us your files, please contact: Kate.Shanley@argusmedia.com

Fertilizer Focus
Fertilizer Focus 82
page 5 Brought to you by Argus Media
Fertilizer Focus 83
page 6
September/October 2022
Brought to you by Argus Media
 Daily Fertilizer Price Assessments

Nitrogen Ammonia Phosphates Sulphur

Fertilizer Focus • Prilled:

- China fob
• Granular:
- Egypt fob
- Brazil cfr
- Nola (US Gulf)
• East Asia cfr
(excluding Taiwan)
• Middle East fob
•
•
•
•
•
DAP fob China
DAP cfr India
MAP cfr Brazil
DAP barges fob Nola
MAP barges fob Nola
• China cfr granular $/t
• China domestic
(ex works) Yn/t

fob $/st

For more information, please contact:

Advertising:
Kate Shanley:
Work smarter with groundbreaking daily fertilizer price assessments from Argus
Kate.Shanley@argusmedia.com
Argus daily price assessments provide you
Editorial : with unique benefits, including Sharp price action captured earlier with daily assessment
Stefan Worsley
Stefan.Worsley@argusmedia.com $ $
Greater Lower
certainty % risk
Oliver Hatfield
Oliver.Hatfield@argusmedia.com Increased price frequency Additional data points
gives you immediate clarity ensure your business
for volatile markets. calculations are more robust.

Smarter Increased Copyright © 2021 Argus Media Ltd

outcomes
Daily data powers the most
sophisticated data analysis
and algorithmic trading tools.
confidence
Access editorial staff in key
global fertilizer hubs: Widest
geographical reach and rigorous
methodological adherence.
Over the highlighted 4 week period (7 Jan to 4 Feb 2021) the price of
DAP fob China grew from $397.50/t to $492.50/t, an increase of 24%.
The blue line on the graph, marked by the 5 weekly prices over this
period (orange) clearly highlights this price growth. However, the 21
daily prices over this same period (grey line) provide greater detail on
how this price growth was achieved.

For more information please contact us: fertilizer-m@argusmedia.com www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer

Market Reporting
Fertilizer Consulting
Fertilizer Focus 84 Brought to you by Argus Media 85 September/October 2022
Events
illuminating the markets
FEATURE FEATURE

Fertilizer Focus
High performance
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
1 ICL Fertilizers

fertiliser blending systems

2 Guizhou Chanhen Chemical
5 Bagtech
11 Tessenderlo Kerley Fertilizer Focus
Argus
15 Proquimac Agro
Lacon House, 84 Theobald's Road,
17 AGI Fertilizer Systems London, WC1X 8NL
19 Acefer Tel: +44 (0)20 7780 4340
20 Anglo American Email: fertilizer@argusmedia.com
21 Anglo American www.argusmedia.com/fertilizer
29 EMT Publisher:
33 Argus Fertilizer Europe Adrian Binks
41 Argus Fertilizer Africa
49 Argus Clean Ammonia Europe Editor:
Stefan Worsley
61 Sackett Waconia
stefan.worsley@argusmedia.com
71 Arab Fertilizer Association
85 Argus Daily Fertilizer Price Assessments Contributors:
87 RS Trading Meena Chauhan, Sophie Mason,
Claira Lloyd, and David Riley
88 Argus AgriMarkets
Production:
Ernest Worsley Publishing Ltd
www.ernestworsleypublishing.com
PLANNING YOUR
ADVERTISING BUDGET? Design:
David Barden Creative Ltd
www.davidbardencreative.co.uk
Want the highest return on your spend?
Send for your Media Pack now! Copyright © 2022 Argus Media Group
All rights reserved. All intellectual property rights in the data and other information presented
Fertilizer Focus is now circulated digitally giving in this publication (the Data) belong to Argus and/or its licensors. The Data may not be copied
or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means or for any
advertisers the widest and highest quality purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of Argus. The Data is provided on an
“as is” basis and Argus gives no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy,
distribution footprint: timeliness, or completeness of the Data or fitness for any particular purpose and gives no warranty
that this file is free of any virus or other harmful code or matter. Argus shall not be liable for any
• Fertilizer Focus is sent digitally to all Argus loss, claims or damage arising from any person’s access to or reliance on the Data and disclaims
subscribers to its fertilizer price and market any and all liability related to or arising out of use of the Data to the full extent permissible by law.

reports, and analytics services. ARGUS, ARGUS MEDIA, the ARGUS logo are trademarks of Argus Media Limited.
Visit www.argusmedia.com/trademarks for more information about these and other Argus trademarks.
• This gives advertisers a global reach to many ISSN 2631-7591
thousands of qualified individual fertilizer influencers.
Fertilizer Focus guarantees the advertiser: Big-bag-filling stations
• Regular and wide distribution
• Conference representation with Fertilizer Focus Elevators
displayed at all Argus, IFA, TFI, AFA and other IN THE NEXT ISSUE...
major conferences Conveyor belts
•A quality product with no issue less than 60 pages SUPPLEMENT: INDIA
and a copy to advertising ratio no lower than 60:40 • Fertilizer transport and logistics Sieving plants & Crusher
• An experienced editorial team who pursue a • The fertilizer subsidy programme in India
progressive editorial policy • India: Supply and demand
Expert in control and application
• Regular contributions giving insight on global
fertilizer markets from Argus’s sector leading team
of liquid nitrogen stabilisers
SPECIAL FOCUS:
of market reporters and analysts. FERTILIZER SUSTAINABILITY
For more information and to take a look at our • Role of organo-mineral fertilizers for plant nutrition
media pack please contact Kate Shanley: • The regulatory environment for improving fertilizer
sustainability
kate.shanley@argusmedia.com
+44 (0) 7515 958 037
• Measuring fertilizer producer ESG performance RS Trading GmbH
Tel. +49 (0)8441 40537-0 • info@rs-trading-gmbh.com
Fertilizer Focus 86 www.rs-trading-gmbh.com
87 September/October 2022
 Argus AgriMarkets
Timely, accurate and dependable price assessments,
news and analysis for the agriculture markets

Key features of Argus Agrimarkets:

Argus AgriMarkets
Daily grains, seeds and oils prices, news and analysis

• Executive summary Issue 21-203 | Thursday 14 October 2021

• Current and historical prices Summary Key prices

Loading Bid Offer mid ±

• Grains, oilseeds and veg oils tenders

Black Sea wheat: russian spot at 10-day low Wheat $/t
Wheat 11.5% fob Ukraine (UW1) Spot 308.00 310.00 309.00 +1.00
Russia’s spot November 12.5pc wheat extended losses from
Wheat 11.5% cpt Ukraine (UW2) Spot na na na na
earlier this week to close at a 10-day low, as rising floating Wheat 12.5% fob Russia

• Black Sea market - news, insight,

Spot 309.00 318.00 313.50 -2.00
taxes continued to weigh on liquidity. (Novorossiysk)
Wheat 13.5pc (CWRS) Canada
Spot na na na na
fob Vancouver
ukraine corn: Curve turns to losses

current and forward prices

Corn $/t
Ukrainian corn prices turned to losses, as prompt supply con- Corn fob (UC1) Spot 271.00 275.00 273.00 -1.00
Corn cpt (UC2) Spot na na na na
cerns were partially eased with corn harvest gathering pace
Brazil corn fob Santos diff to
in recent days. Nov +141.0 +155.0 +148.0 -0.5

- Ukraine wheat market

CBOT ¢/bushel
Barley $/t

Brazil soybeans: market has deal for april/may Feed barley cpt Ukraine Spot na na na na
Soybeans ¢/bushel
The Paranagua paper market had a slower day with only one

- Ukraine corn market

Brazil soybeans fob Paranagua
Feb +54.0 +60.0 +57.0 -0.5
deal reported, although premiums have remained at high diff to CBOT
levels compared with the beginning of the week. China soybeans cfr
Nov +375.0 +380.0 +377.5 nc
diff to CBOT

- Ukraine Barley Market

Rapeseed Oil (RSO) €/t
China soybeans: Spreads widen for Brazil beans Bid ask ±
The spread between the best bid and offer widened for de- RSO fob Dutch mill Prompt 1,520.00 1,530.00 nc
RSO fob Dutch mill NDJ 1,495.00 1,505.00 nc
liveries from Brazil, following higher offers from exporters.

- Russia wheat market (spot prices only)

RSO fob Dutch mill FMA 1,465.00 1,475.00 -10.00
RSO fob Dutch mill MJJ 1,405.00 1,415.00 nc
Turkey’s TmO issues new wheat tender
Dry grains freight rates $/t
route Size '000t $/t ±
Turkey provisionally awards corn tender
• Brazil soybean and corn - news, Turkish state-run grains agency TMO has provisionally agreed
to buy 325,000t of corn, reportedly of Ukrainian origin to a
Santos-Qingdao
Kalama-Qingdao
60
65
69.40
47.25
+0.30
+0.10

insights and prices large extent.

rain to weigh on China’s corn output

aGrITEL OuTLOOK

• China soybeans market

Heavy rain in north China has slowed corn harvest progress,
which could impact production levels and quality this year. Watch out for increasing expectations of La Nina weath-
er this winter, with the NOAA raising the probability of

• Global news and key market developments

such conditions to emerge in Dec-Feb to 87pc.

Grains, oilseeds and veg oils tenders

Buyer Issued Closes Status Cargo Delivery Price Seller Notes

Turkey’s TMO 14-Oct 21-Oct Open 300,000t milling wheat Dec-21

Jordan's MIT 10-Oct 14-Oct Closed 120,000t feed barley Dec 2021-Feb 2022 $329.75/t Cargill cfr Aqaba
Japan's MAFF 12-Oct 14-Oct Closed 119,512t milling wheat Nov 2021-Jan 2022 Low 90sMWZ Mitsui CWRS

For more information visit:

Turkey's TMO 5-Oct 14-Oct Closed 275,000t corn 15 Nov-6 Dec 2021 $306.90-317/t cfr
Turkey's TMO 5-Oct 14-Oct Closed 50,000t corn 15 Nov-6 Dec 2021 $312.75-319.25/t exw

www.argusmedia.com/agriculture
Jordan's MIT 7-Oct 13-Oct Cancelled 120,000t milling wheat Jan-Mar 2022
Pakistan's TCP 5-Oct 13-Oct Closed 90,000 milling wheat Jan-22

Copyright © 2021 Argus Media group Available on the Argus Publications App

Market Reporting
Agriculture Consulting
illuminating
Fertilizer Focus the markets 88 Events