Of the sixteen essential elements required for plant growth, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) constitute the three primary nutrients. Global trends demonstrate that Potassium deficiency is looming large as replenishment in the soil is less than what is being mined. Currently India imports about 4 to 5 million tonnes of potash based fertilizer. CFR (India) price of MOP is $370 (Rs. 17,000) per Metric Ton (MT) whereas that of SOP is about $640 (Rs. 30,000) per MT.
Dr. Arup Basu, COO – Chemicals (India), Tata Chemicals Limited, said, “For India, this situation is doubly alarming as the entire K requirement of the country is imported and no domestic sources have been developed for Potash. In light of this, we endeavour to develop and utilize indigenous potash technology. We believe that this SOP project has potential to bring relief to the country’s ever burgeoning fertilizer subsidy bill as the prices of potassic fertilizers continue on their upward trajectory.”
SOP is a superior Potassic fertilizer compared to Muriate Of Potash (MOP) because it has the lowest salt index and is virtually free from chlorides. In addition it is a source of sulphur (S), another essential nutrient for soil. Indigenous SOP will provide a major benefit in terms of sustained soil fertility.