Granular Potassium Sulfate: Solving Salinity Challenges in High-Value Crop Production

Problem

A large commercial fertilizer distributor faced challenges in maintaining consistent crop yields, soil compatibility, and nutrient efficiency when using potassium chloride (MOP), particularly for chloride-sensitive and high-value crops. Elevated salinity risk and chloride accumulation negatively affected crop quality, nutrient uptake, and performance in sensitive soils and intensive cultivation environments.

Solution

The distributor transitioned from MOP to Granular Potassium Sulfate (SOP) for chloride-sensitive applications. Potassium sulfate granular fertilizer supplies two essential nutrients-potassium (K2O) and sulfur (S)-in a chloride-free formulation. Its sulfate sulfur supports protein synthesis and enzyme activity, while the granular form provides uniform particle size, excellent flowability, and full compatibility with mechanical spreading systems, enabling precise and efficient field application.

Result

After adoption, the distributor achieved improved yield consistency, enhanced crop quality, and better nutrient uptake across fruits, vegetables, tobacco, tea, and specialty horticulture crops. Compared with potassium chloride, granular potassium sulfate reduced salinity stress, improved soil compatibility, and delivered superior agronomic performance-demonstrating its critical role in modern, sustainable, and high-value agricultural production systems.

QY Research has recently published a comprehensive market study on this important fertilizer segment. Key findings are summarized below.

https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/5540149/potassium-sulfate-granular

Core Market Data

Global market size: USD 5.2 billion
CAGR (2024-2030): 4.7%
Average price: USD 530 per ton
Annual production: 9.8 million tons
Gross margin: 21%
Production capacity: 12 million tons

List of Main Players

K+S Group (Germany)
Tessenderlo Group (Belgium)
Compass Minerals (USA)
Sociedad Química y Minera (Chile)
Yara International (Norway)
ICL Group (Israel)
The Mosaic Company (USA)
Vinipul Chemicals (India)
Archean Chemical (India)
Achinsk Alumina Plant (Russia)
Migao Group (China)
Gansu Xinchuan Fertilizer (China)
Shijiazhuang Hehe Chemical Fertilizer (China)
Liaoning Xinshui Chemical (China)
Sesoda Corporation (Taiwan)

1. By Product Grade

Agricultural Grade
Industrial Grade
High-Purity Grade

2. By Granule Specification

Fine Granular (1-2 mm)
Standard Granular (2-4 mm)
Coarse Granular (4-6 mm)

3. By Application

Crop Production
Greenhouse
Landscaping
Industrial

Case Study for Bidding

Time: April 2024
Supplier: K+S Group
Buyer: Regional Agricultural Supply Cooperative (Europe)
Product: Granular Potassium Sulfate (50% K2O, Low Chloride)
Quantity: 210,000 tons
Contract Value: USD 118 million
Delivery Timeline: February 2025

Detailed Application Scenario

The agricultural cooperative supplied K+S granular potassium sulfate to growers cultivating fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops across regions with saline-prone soils. The fertilizer's chloride-free composition prevented salt stress, improved root development, and supported consistent nutrient uptake throughout the growing season. The granular form ensured even field distribution, reduced dust loss, and improved blending accuracy with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.

Field trials showed measurable improvements in crop quality indicators such as sugar content, color uniformity, and storage performance. Sulfur availability enhanced protein synthesis and overall plant vigor, while reduced soil salinity supported long-term soil health. The project demonstrated how granular potassium sulfate supports high-value crop production, sustainable soil management, and premium agricultural output.

About QY Research

QY Research has established close partnerships with over 71,000 global leading players. With more than 20,000 industry experts worldwide, we maintain a strong global network to efficiently gather insights and raw data.

Our 36-step verification system ensures the reliability and quality of our data. With over 2 million reports, we have become the world's largest market report vendor. Our global database spans more than 2,000 sources and covers data from most countries, including import and export details.

We have partners in over 160 countries, providing comprehensive coverage of both sales and research networks. A 90% client return rate and long-term cooperation with key partners demonstrate the high level of service and quality QY Research delivers.

More than 30 IPOs and over 5,000 global media outlets and major corporations have used our data, solidifying QY Research as a global leader in data supply. We are committed to delivering services that exceed both client and societal expectations.

For Inquiries:

USA: +1-626-295-2442

Canada: +1-778-907-6631

China: +86-150-1303-8387

Japan: +81-90-3800-9273

South Korea: +82-2883-1278

India: +91-866-9986-909

Indonesia: +62-818-510-991

Germany: +49-15788468916

Switzerland: +41-765899438

Portugal: +351-910983247

Email: global@qyresearch.com

www.qyresearch.com

This release was published on openPR.