Organic Fertilisers

Organic fertilisers play an important role in sustainable crop production, helping growers maintain soil fertility, crop quality and long-term productivity. However, the term “organic fertiliser” can mean different things depending on the context.

Traditionally, organic fertilisers are defined as products derived from natural plant, animal or biological sources. Examples include manures, composts, crop residues, seaweed products and biosolids. These materials supply nutrients while also contributing organic matter that supports soil structure and biological activity.

However, in modern agriculture, the term is often used more broadly to describe fertilisers that are approved for use in certified organic farming systems. This distinction is important because not every naturally derived fertiliser is permitted in organic production, and not every fertiliser approved for organic farming is derived from plant or animal materials.

What Is an Organic-Approved Fertiliser?

An organic-approved fertiliser is a fertiliser that meets the requirements of recognised organic certification standards and can be used within certified organic production systems. Rather than focusing solely on the origin of a product, organic certification considers how a fertiliser is produced, processed and used within sustainable farming systems.

Organic standards vary around the world, but they share common principles centred on environmental stewardship, soil health, responsible nutrient management and sustainable food production. To help growers meet these requirements, independent certification bodies evaluate products and verify whether they can be used in organic agriculture.

Examples of recognised certification bodies include:

• OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) in North America
• Ecocert
• CERES
• Soil Association Certification
• National and regional organic certification schemes across Europe, Japan, Canada and other markets

These organisations assess fertilisers against organic farming standards, giving growers confidence that approved products can be used within certified organic production systems.

The Benefits of Organic Fertilisers

Organic and organic-approved fertilisers support crop production in several ways:

• Supply essential plant nutrients
• Support sustainable farming practices
• Improve nutrient efficiency
• Enhance soil health and biological activity
• Reduce reliance on highly processed nutrient sources
• Help growers meet the requirements of organic certification schemes
• Contribute to high-quality crop production

As demand for sustainably produced food continues to increase, growers are looking for reliable nutrient sources that deliver both agronomic performance and environmental benefits.

Polysulphate: A Natural Fertiliser Approved for Organic Farming

One of the most widely recognised organic-approved fertilisers in the ICL portfolio is Polysulphate®.

Polysulphate is a naturally occurring mineral fertiliser derived from the mineral polyhalite, which is mined in North Yorkshire, UK. Unlike many fertilisers, it requires no chemical processing. The mineral is simply mined, crushed and screened before application. This gives Polysulphate an exceptionally low carbon footprint while preserving the natural nutrient composition of the mineral.

Polysulphate provides four essential plant nutrients in a single application:

• Sulphur (S)
• Potassium (K)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Calcium (Ca)

Because all nutrients are present in sulphate form and are released gradually, Polysulphate provides extended nutrient availability throughout the growing season while reducing the risk of nutrient losses through leaching.

Importantly for organic growers, Polysulphate is approved for use in organic farming systems by certification agencies around the world, including OMRI, Ecocert and CERES, and is recognised for organic production in numerous international markets.

This makes Polysulphate an ideal solution for growers seeking a reliable source of sulphur, potassium, magnesium and calcium while maintaining compliance with organic production standards.

Organic Potash for Sustainable Crop Nutrition

Potassium plays a fundamental role in crop growth, influencing water regulation, nutrient transport, crop quality and stress tolerance. Securing suitable potassium sources has historically been challenging for some organic producers, making certified mineral potassium fertilisers increasingly important.

ICL’s organic-approved potash products provide growers with a concentrated and effective source of potassium that can support crop performance while meeting organic certification requirements. Combined with Polysulphate, these products allow growers to build balanced nutrient programmes that address crop demand throughout the season.

ICL’s Organic Fertiliser Solutions

ICL’s portfolio of organic-approved fertilisers helps growers satisfy both crop nutritional requirements and organic certification standards.

Polysulphate®

A natural 4-in-1 multi-nutrient fertiliser supplying:

• Sulphur
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium

Polysulphate is suitable for all crops and soil types and is approved for organic farming in many countries worldwide.

Potash

ICL’s potash products provide a concentrated potassium source suitable for organic production systems, helping growers improve crop quality, nutrient efficiency and productivity.

Supporting Organic Crop Production

Successful organic farming requires more than simply replacing conventional inputs. Growers need nutrient sources that deliver consistent performance while complying with increasingly rigorous certification standards.

Organic-approved fertilisers such as Polysulphate and Potash provide a dependable way to supply essential nutrients, support soil health and meet the expectations of modern organic markets. Supported by recognised certification schemes and proven agronomic performance, these products help growers combine productivity, sustainability and profitability in their organic production systems.

Whether producing arable crops, fruits, vegetables or speciality crops, growers can use ICL’s organic-approved fertilisers with confidence, knowing they are choosing solutions that support both crop performance and certified organic farming practices.