Fertilization efficiency with polyhalite mineral: a multi-nutrient fertilizer

ABSTRACT

As the world's population approaches eight billion people, there is an increasing demand for cereals, grains, vegetables, animal protein, as well as energy. At the same time, in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, world hunger has increased. After remaining virtually unchanged for five years, the prevalence of malnutrition (PoU) increased from 8.4% to about 9.9% in just one year, further adding to the challenge of achieving the Zero Hunger target by 2030. Research Findings To sustainably increase agriculture productivity, the use of best plant nutrition practices is essential. The shortage of any one nutrient has the potential to limit the growth, productivity, and quality of crops, as stated in Justus von Liebig's "Law of the Minimum". In addition to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), attention must be paid to other macronutrients including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), and to the management of micronutrients as well. Balanced fertilization is essential to obtain the maximum potential for crop yield. Since 2015 a new natural mineral fertilizer, polyhalite, has stood out as an alternative fertilizer. Polyhalite provides four macronutrients in a single granule K, Ca, Mg, and S. Polyhalite has several differential characteristics, such as a low salt content and prolonged availability of nutrients. Polyhalite has a lower carbon footprint than similar fertilizers and can be used in organic production systems. Reviewing the research into the use of polyhalite as a sustainable multi-nutrient fertilizer consistently reveals its potential to increase agricultural productivity, where it consistently and significantly improves the yield, health, and quality of a wide range of crops.