New generation of foliar fertilizers gains market share

Agriculture has seen significant progress in the adoption of new technologies, with a significant increase in the use of fertilizers. The latest report from Mordor Intelligence predicts an average increase of 5% per year between 2025 and 2030, driven mainly by the growing need to increase agricultural productivity and meet global demand for food.

Within this context, concentrated suspension (SC) foliar fertilizers emerge as a cutting-edge solution to support producers in their search for high productivity and sustainability. But what makes this type of formulation so special – to the point of being classified as a premium technology – and how can it be a powerful ally in crop nutritional management?

SC fertilizers are liquid formulations that combine ultrafine solid nutrient particles suspended in a stabilized aqueous base. Unlike conventional solid fertilizers, which can be challenging to apply, or traditional liquid formulations, which are limited in nutrient concentration, SCs offer an ideal combination of efficiency, ease of use and precision.

This technology uses stabilizing agents to ensure suspension uniformity, preventing nutrient decantation and ensuring homogeneous application. In addition, its water-based formula contributes to greater safety in handling, eliminating risks associated with flammable or toxic substances.

Practical and agronomic advantages of suspension concentrate technologies

Concentrated suspension fertilizers have attributes that set them apart from other formulations available on the market. Their high concentration of nutrients allows a smaller quantity of product to be transported and stored, reducing logistics costs. In the field, they ensure more precise application, minimizing losses and maximizing plant utilization.

One notable feature is the small size of the particles, generally between 4,5 and 5,5 micrometers, which facilitates both dispersion and absorption of nutrients by plants. This characteristic results in a better response from crops, especially at critical moments in the production cycle, such as vegetative development and fruit formation.

Impact on crops and agricultural management

Concentrated suspension nutrients are widely adaptable to different crops and application methods, and can be applied via foliar application or directly to the soil. Vegetables, fruits, grains and even pastures have benefited from this technology. Foliar application promotes more uniform and vigorous growth, and soil application promotes robust root development.

The benefits are not limited to increased productivity; they also extend to the final quality of agricultural products. More uniform fruits, grains with higher specific weight, and greater plant resistance to environmental stresses and diseases are often observed in crops that use SC.

Why are SCs a strategic investment?

The combination of high efficiency, reduced losses and minimized environmental impact makes SC fertilizers a highly attractive investment for producers seeking to combine profitability and sustainability. To achieve the best results, it is essential that producers rely on the guidance of qualified agricultural engineers. These professionals can identify the most appropriate formulation for the crop, provide guidance on correct application and reinforce the importance of using products of good origin, registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA). This care ensures the quality of the product, the ideal concentration of nutrients and micronutrients and, therefore, the high performance of the product and the good return on investment.

With its agricultural vocation and vast potential, Brazil is positioned to consolidate itself as a global leader in the production of sustainable food. In this context, the adoption of more precise nutritional technologies emerges as an essential pillar to boost the sector. Concentrated suspension formulations stand out as an efficient and advanced management alternative, contributing to more productive and responsible agricultural practices.

It is with this vision that Brazilian industry, and companies like Agrichem, operate, investing heavily in research and development of solutions that support producers in their search for more sustainable and high-performance agriculture. By providing access to cutting-edge technologies and specialized guidance, our country is moving forward on this more accessible and promising path, strengthening Brazil's role as a leader in innovation and sustainability in global agribusiness.

*Per Daniel Souza, Agrichem Nutritional Portfolio Manager