Mosaic Fertilizers enters the input market for organic production

Phosphogypsum, also known as agricultural gypsum, from Mosaic Fertilizers, one of the largest global producers of combined phosphates and potassium, has just been certified for use in organic production, by IBD - the largest organic certifier in Latin America.

“We received the certifier at our Uberaba (MG) unit, who observed and evaluated issues such as quality control to meet the minimum guarantees established by law and by control bodies, production traceability, validation of effectiveness studies carried out to guarantee quality. published by the company and compliance with environmental, labor and regulatory standards”, says Bruno Benatti, product manager at Mosaic Fertilizers. With the seal, the unit will be able to supply the input to organic producers, whose premise is to use only certified raw materials.

Integrating agronomic knowledge and innovation, the company continually invests in technologies and new solutions that promote soil health and maximize the genetic potential of plantations.

“The phosphogypsum delivered to the market is a product already known by farmers and ranchers. Now, with certification, Mosaic Fertilizers intends to expand its operations and show the organic market its differences”, says Benatti.

In 2021 alone, Mosaic Fertilizers delivered 4,8 million tons of agricultural gypsum to the market for application in sugarcane, soybean, corn, wheat, beans, cotton, coffee, citrus and pasture crops. The agricultural gypsum sold by Mosaic Fertilizers comes from phosphate rock, also used for the production of phosphate fertilizers, widely used in the nutrition of agricultural crops.

Acting directly on the construction of the soil profile in order to complement the nutrition of plantations with fundamental nutrients, agricultural gypsum is an irreplaceable soil conditioner in agriculture. Its use reduces the incidence of undesirable elements in plant metabolism, especially aluminum present in subsurface layers, and provides nutrients such as calcium and sulfur, which contribute to the development of crops; generating an improvement in nutritional balance and activating the obtainment of deeper and more voluminous roots.

In addition to the agronomic benefits such as improving soil quality, the application of agricultural gypsum contributes to the reduction of environmental contamination. “The results are notable for the greater absorption of water and other nutrients essential for the growth and development of crops, especially in winter, when there is water deficiency”, explains Benatti. Phosphogypsum also tends to increase carbon stocks in the soil, providing increased quality to the land, bringing more agricultural and livestock productivity, optimizing the use of areas.

“This is an opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, benefiting the entire production chain and offering inputs that enable rural producers to increase the quality of their crops and deliver food and other products to the world, respecting the use of natural resources”, he states. Benatti.

Mosaic Fertilizers has also been studying other applications for the product. With this objective, it established an agreement with the City of Uberaba, in April, to evaluate the use of phosphogypsum in landfills to replace virgin soil. “Our objective is to verify environmental gains, since this material can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter. If expected results are met, the solution will bring greater savings to the government and more security in waste management”, explains Walter Martins, Market Development specialist at the company.

In addition to contributing to the sustainability of cities by redefining the use of phosphogypsum, Mosaic Fertilizers attributes value and longer life to its production chain, contributing to the circular economy.