K Plus meets the terms of the most demanding Export Market standards. K Plus is different from other potassium nitrates sold in Chile because it is a soluble fertilizer with a 99.7% degree of purity, granting this soluble fertilizer the qualification of a “technical or hydroponic degree”. The higher degree of purity of K Plus translates into a greater quantity of Nitrogen and Potassium (13,7% N and 46% K2O) in comparison to regular potassium nitrate soluble fertilizers of agricultural degree that normally have 13,5% N and 45% K2O.
Higher Content of Nitrogen: Nitrogen is the most important mineral element in plant nutrition. It is a constituent of amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids, which are fundamental for plant growth throughout the phases of cell division and elongation. It is part of chlorophyll molecules, which affects photosynthesis directly, being vital during the cycle of the leaf’s carbon dioxide fixation. Without an adequate supply of nitrogen, crops take much longer to reach a development stage where its productive and, in the case of a tree’s production, it fails to reach the needed renewal of fruitwood for the next season.
Higher Content of Potassium. Potassium is the most important nutrient that affects the quality and quantity of any intense production of crops, fruits and/or vegetables. It is present in relatively large amounts, constituting 3% to 5% of the dry matter of plants. Potassium plays an important role in water economy and in maintaining the water potential in the phloem and cells, in general. It also regulates the opening and closing of stomata, it activates numerous enzyme systems and it is involved in the transportation of carbohydrates as well as the synthesis of proteins. Potassium is directly related to quality and production; increased potassium levels and improved plant performance.
Potassium Nitrate is obtained from natural sources in the north of Chile by processes that are friendly to the environment. K Plus is mostly obtained from Caliche Ore and Salar Brine from the Atacama Desert, through environmentally-friendly processes, such as evaporation by solar energy. In addition to all of the product’s features and the benefits they represent to farmers, using K Plus contributes enormously to global sustainability in comparison to its synthetic counterpart derived from ammonia. Commercial Soquimich’s motivation is to contribute to the growth of its client’s businesses, and that together they may develop and create an industry of quality and profits. This is why the company invests in trials, research and technology, which, coupled with the advice of agricultural experts and a complete catalogue of products, have won the confidence of its clients.
The most extensive reserves of iodine and nitrate known in the world and the highest concentrations of Lithium and potassium ever recorded: The Atacama Desert, located between the First and Second Regions of Chile, is the huge field where the production plants are located. That is where SQM has exclusive access to natural reserves with incomparable magnitude and quality: the most extensive iodine and nitrate reserves known in the world and the highest concentrations of lithium and potassium on record today.
The biggest potassium nitrate producer with the smallest carbon footprint: SQM’s potassium nitrate production process emits up to 40% less greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared to other producers of potassium nitrate in the world. This is equivalent to removing 155,000 medium-range vehicles from the road each year*. In addition, the carbon footprint of SQM’s potassium nitrate emits up to 50% less GHG than the equivalent mixture of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate.
