Why I Tell Other Growers to use Polysulphate

In this first-hand account from a farmer using ICL crop nutrition solutions, ICL agronomist Ravi Chauhan meets banana grower Dipakbhai Bhikhanbhai in Gujarat, India. Dipakbhai shares how he adopted an improved fertilizer strategy based on a combination of ICL products, and how this approach has influenced crop performance in the field.

The fertilizer strategy used on the farm included:

• A base application of Polysulphate® to the soil
• Calcium nitrate applied through drip application using ICL Select CN
• FertiFlow 13-40-13 and Select SOP 0-0-50
• A foliar application of Starter Booster
• ICL Potash dissolved in water and applied via drip application

In the short video, Dipakbhai explains in detail the treatment strategy adopted, and how the results impressed not only him, but also his neighboring growers.

A Commitment to Quality

Dipakbhai has been cultivating bananas for many years, taking pride in producing high-quality fruit for the local market. Effective Nutrient management is key to maintaining both yield and consistency, and like many growers in the region, he faces the challenge of optimizing inputs while protecting long-term soil health.

Stronger Plants and Better Fruit

Dipakbhai first introduced the improved banana nutrition program halfway through the previous growing season. Even within that shortened timeframe, he observed several clear benefits.

I saw a real improvement in plant growth. The plants were stronger and more uniform, and the leaves just looked healthier. But the biggest difference was in the harvest, where the bunch weight went from 25 kg to 40 kg per bunch.

ICL agronomist Ravi Chauhan highlights that crops perform best when they receive the nutrients they need, at the right time. This is where a product such as Polysulphate, which is included in Dipakbhai’s fertilizer program, plays a key role. With a natural, prolonged release of sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and potassium supplied in a single application, Polysulphate helps support a balanced and sustained nutrient supply throughout the crop cycle.

Reliable Results in the Field

Dipakbhai believes that the balanced nutrient supply is a key component of the consistent improvements he saw across his fields. “It worked really well,” he says. “We saw a real difference, 100%.”

The positive results from adopting the new fertilizer strategy halfway through the first year were enough for him to work closely with local ICL agronomists to develop a complete fertilizer strategy, including Polysulphate, for the current year. The crops are still growing in the field, but already he is seeing the benefits. And so are his neighbors.

They saw my field and explained their plantation was five days older, but mine looked much better. I told them they should use ICL products too to get the same results.

His feedback supports findings from other field trials in bananas, where Polysulphate, for example, has been shown to improve both yield and vigor of banana crops, while reducing nutrient losses and promoting more efficient use of other inputs.

Supporting Growers across Crops and Regions

Dipakbhai Bhikhanbhai’s experience reflects what many growers observe when adopting a balanced, crop-focused fertilizer strategy. Polysulphate with its natural composition and prolonged nutrient release, make it well suited to crops like banana, where nutrient uptake must be steady and efficient. And combined with carefully chosen crop nutrition products including calcium nitrate (ICL Select CN), FertiFlow 13-40-13, Select SOP 0-0-50, and Starter Booster, the improvements in crop health and productivity are clear to see in Dipakbhai’s crops.