13th IPI-CAU-ISSAS International Symposium
Potash and Polyhalite: Potassium, Sulphur, Magnesium and Calcium for Efficient Balanced Plant Nutrition
6-8 November 2019, Kunming, China
The 13th IPI-CAU-ISSAS International Symposium took place in Kunming, China in November 2019. The event “Potash and Polyhalite: Potassium, Sulphur, Magnesium and Calcium for Efficient Balanced Plant Nutrition” was jointly organised by IPI, CAU, and ISSAS, with NATESC, Yunnan Agricultural University and China Potash Association as secondary partners.
Background
The sustainability of agricultural systems greatly depends on balanced fertilization. For farmers in China, the priority is to implement precise and targeted crop nutrition for optimum crop productivity and profitability.
Strong demand for better farm fertilizer use
With an increasing population and strong demand for food, fiber and fuel from agriculture, and no additional land for production, a much needed further optimization and refinement of fertilization practices in China is required.
The government is determined to optimize the use of N fertilizer to achieve a reduction of the severe related environmental problems. By applying K, S, Mg and Ca, farmers will benefit from better uptake of N, improved utilization of precious irrigation water, more robust growth and yield, and increased profits.
Being precise with K
Potassium requirements are diverse between the fast-growing fruit and vegetable sector, and the cereals and oil seeds sector. There is need to optimize the use of potash.
Importance of S, Mg and Ca
Sulphur, Mg and Ca nutrient deficiencies are increasingly becoming an important limiting factor in intensive crop production systems. In addition, S, Mg and Ca depletion in soils is a growing concern.
Polyhalite is a new multi-nutrient fertilizer with a gradual nutrient release pattern that constantly delivers S, Mg, K, and Ca, reducing the risk of leaching. An efficient solution to the need for S, Mg and Ca in agriculture, polyhalite has been shown to have a positive effect on crop growth, yield and quality worldwide.
A symposium of science and practice
The symposium is organized by International Potash Institute (IPI), China Agricultural University (CAU), Institute of Soil Science of Chinese Academy Science (ISSAS), and co-organized by National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center (NATESC), China Inorganic Salts Industry Association (CISIA) and Yunnan Agricultural University.
It will address the issues related to the role and benefits of potash and polyhalite fertilizers for Chinese agriculture, including soil fertility, plant nutrition, efficient use of fertilizers and balanced fertilization practices.
This symposium will be of interest to soil and plant nutrition scientists, agronomists, and extension officers from universities and research organizations, government offices, and agribusinesses who share an interest in improving food production and quality.
The symposium will be chaired by Prof. Fusuo Zhang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the National Institute of Green Agricultural Development at China Agricultural University.
More information
For more information please contact ipi@ipipotash.org