ICL PKpluS® 101: A 5-in-1 Fertilizer for Season-Long Crop Nutrition
New on the market, learn more about PKpluS, its 5-in-1 nutrient composition, and critical agronomic benefits.
Nutrient management is a critical factor in optimizing crop yields, and selecting the right fertilizer can significantly impact nutrient efficiency, soil health, and plant performance. ICL PKpluS® is a premium granular fertilizer powered by Polysulphate. It integrates phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in a single, efficient application. This polyhalite-based 5-in-1 solution enhances nutrient availability and uptake while maintaining seed safety, making it an excellent choice for a variety of crops and soil conditions.
What is Polysulphate (polyhalite)?
Polysulphate is a naturally occurring mineral fertilizer derived from polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4 • 2H2O) and contains four essential sulfate-based nutrients: sulfur, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Studies show it gradually releases nutrients over time, matching plant demand. Proven to enhance yields and quality across various crops and soil types, Polysulphate requires no chemical separation or industrial processing, making it an environmentally sustainable choice with a low carbon footprint. With its low chloride content, low salt index, and neutral pH, it is ideal for sensitive crops, offering a natural solution to improve soil health and boost crop productivity.
What Sets PKpluS® Apart?
PKpluS® leverages the power of Polysulphate®, a naturally occurring mineral that gradually releases sulfate-based nutrients, ensuring plants receive a consistent supply of potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium throughout the growing season. Formulated with an added boost of phosphorus, the extended nutrient availability reduces leaching losses and improves nutrient use efficiency (NUE).
PKpluS® 0-24-6 +15.4Ca-1.8Mg-9.1S is formulated with:
- 24% P₂O₅ – Supports early root development and energy transfer in plants.
- 6% K₂O – Enhances drought tolerance, disease resistance, and overall crop quality.
- 15.4% Ca – Strengthens cell walls, improving fruit quality and storability.
- 1.8% Mg – Essential for chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis.
- 9.1% S – Aids in protein synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and oil content in crops.
Key Agronomic Benefits of PKpluS®
- Balanced Nutrition in a Single Application: Supplies phosphorus and potassium along with secondary nutrients to support plant growth and development.
- Extended Nutrient Availability: Polysulphate® provides a gradual release of sulfate-based nutrients, reducing leaching and optimizing uptake over time.
- Improved Seed Safety: Lower salt index and reduced chloride levels make PKpluS® suitable for seed-row placement.
- Enhanced NUE and P Uptake: Studies show Polysulphate can improve nutrient use efficiency and increase P-uptake
- Versatile Application Methods: Can be applied with an air-seeder, and via seed row, sideband, or broadcast, offering flexibility in different cropping systems.
- Supports Higher Yields and Quality: Optimized nutrient ratios contribute to improved crop establishment, uniform growth, and enhanced marketable yield.
Practical Applications for Dryland Farmers
- Canola (50 bu/ac): Apply 140-160 lbs/ac PKpluS® for balanced P and S availability.
- Spring Wheat (60 bu/ac): Apply 115-135 lbs/ac PKpluS® to meet early-season P needs and sustain nutrient supply.
- Field Peas (50 bu/ac): Apply 90-110 lbs/ac PKpluS® to support phosphorus uptake and nitrogen fixation.
Season-long crop nutrition in one convenient prill
When we look for solutions to offer our growers, we are trying to not only simplify their application processes but also improve their profitability and minimize their impact on the environment. When we combine phosphorus and potassium with the sustained-release benefits of Polysulphate®, we can provide crops season-long access to essential nutrients with fewer additional inputs. The added bonus of low chloride K and a low salt index formulation means enhanced seed safety (and, in turn, stand count) while improving NUE and overall soil fertility.
For more information on how PKpluS® fits into your fertilization program, find an expert in your area or contact your agronomist today.