Go Beyond NPK: The Polysulphate Advantage for Potato Quality and Yield
{Sponsored} Potato growers know that achieving consistent, high-quality yields isn’t just about nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Behind every premium crop is a balanced nutrition program—one that includes secondary macronutrients like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients work in tandem with the Big Three to support critical physiological processes, mitigate deficiencies, and promote the development of high-quality potatoes with improved market appeal and culinary attributes.
That’s where Polysulphate® from ICL Growing Solutions stands out.
A Smarter, Balanced Source of Nutrition
Polysulphate is a naturally mined, multi-nutrient fertilizer that delivers sulfate-based sulfur (S), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in a single, low-salt, low-chloride granule. Its unique composition helps optimize soil and plant health, providing steady nutrient availability that matches potato uptake throughout the season.
Unlike conventional fertilizers that can cause salt stress or leaching losses, Polysulphate’s gradual nutrient release supports uniform growth from planting to harvest. For potatoes—sensitive to chloride and uneven nutrient uptake—this balanced approach means improved yield potential, better tuber uniformity, and reduced physiological disorders like hollow heart.
Proven Results in the Field
Potatoes have shown some of the most consistent responses to Polysulphate across ICL’s North American field trials. Over four growing seasons in Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island, trials showed total yield increases ranging from 4.3% in Manitoba to 77% in North Carolina compared to controls.
Beyond yield, trends included:
- increased nitrogen-use efficiency
- reduced hollow heart
- better fry quality
Key metrics for both fresh and processing markets. Whether under rainfed or irrigated conditions, Polysulphate improved marketable yields across varied soil types and production systems.
What stands out to me is the ability to supply four nutrients in one product. This helps our growers simplify fertilizer programs, potentially reducing input costs or improving ROI depending on how it’s used in a blend.
It’s not just about the rate—it’s about selecting the right source to support balanced nutrition when the crop needs it most, ultimately driving performance.
Why Calcium and Magnesium Matter
Calcium is the cornerstone of tuber structure. It strengthens cell walls, reduces internal browning, and helps prevent hollow heart—all while improving fry color and texture. Magnesium, meanwhile, fuels photosynthesis and starch formation, directly influencing yield and dry matter. Together, these nutrients support healthy root systems, sustained nutrient uptake, and the consistent quality buyers look for. With Polysulphate, we get both Ca and Mg, working in tandem.
Sustainable and Agronomically Smart
Different from other multi-nutrients, is that fact that Polysulphate is a naturally occurring mineral. It is sustainably mined from deposits of polyhalite in the UK by ICL using a low-carbon, zero-chemical process. With its low salt index and low-chloride potassium, it’s safe for both soils and roots and is OMRI Listed for organic use. Its natural solubility ensures nutrients are released gradually, aligning with the crop’s demand curve to reduce waste and improve nutrient-use efficiency.
Plan Your Potato Nutrition with Confidence
In a market where every input dollar must deliver measurable returns, Polysulphate offers a practical way to go beyond NPK—enhancing both performance and sustainability. It’s a versatile, season-long nutrient solution that helps potatoes reach their full potential for yield and quality.
Learn how Polysulphate can fit into your fertility program.
Explore more at icl-growingsolutions.us.
