SOP Brochure English - Tessenderlo Group

Tessenderlo’s SOPwhen quality really countsTessenderlo Group Fertilizersgiving nature a helping hand

SOP: the gentle fertilizerTessenderlo Group -quality & experienceTessenderlo Group is a diversifiedinternational chemicals group based inBelgium, with operations in 22 countriesworldwide. Focusing on niche markets,the group has a leading positionin most of its areas of operation.The group has primarily based itsdevelopment on the close integrationof its core activities, its technicalexpertise and continued improvementin production efficiency.The group is divided into five divisions:Inorganic Chemicals, Fine Chemicals,Natural Organic Products, PVC andPlastics Converting.The Inorganic Chemicals divisiongenerates approximately one third ofgroup turnover and produces a varietyof products for agricultural use. Theseinclude sulphate of potash (SOP)fertilizers, animal feed phosphatesand liquid sulphur fertilizers.Tessenderlo Group has more than70 years experience in SOP production.The group has now assumed fullresponsibility for marketing its range ofSOP fertilizers, allowing direct contactwith clients and a better understandingof their requirements.Potassium sulphate (K 2 SO 4 ), also known as sulphate ofpotash (SOP), is the world’s most popular low-chlorinefertilizer. It combines the essential nutrients potassium andsulphur in an optimal form that is readily available to plants.A 50% K 2 O (42% K) and 18% sulphur content enables SOPto supply a very high concentration of nutrients.As a virtually chloride-free fertilizer, SOP is the bestnutrient source for chloride-sensitive crops and intensivecropping systems. Compared to other potassium sourcessuch as MOP (muriate of potash) and NOP (nitrate of potash),SOP has a very low salinity index making it the preferredpotash fertilizer in areas at risk from soil salinity. These featuresmake SOP the most effective fertilizer in many parts of theworld, as well as the most environmentally friendly.Balanced solutionSince potassium and sulphur directly influence crop yieldand quality, SOP provides a balanced fertilizer solution:● SOP plays an important role in the development ofproteins, enzymes and vitamins, as well as improvingplant photosynthesis.● by lowering the pH level at the root surface, SOPimproves the uptake of phosphorus, iron, and othermicronutrients. In sandy soils, it reduces leaching ofcations such as calcium and potassium.● In addition to enhancing plant quality, SOP makes plantsmore resistant to drought, frost, insects and disease.● SOP does not contain any nitrogen, allowing moreeffective management of nitrogen fertilization.SOP improves the yield and quality of high value crops,in particular fruit, vegetables and tobacco.Not only does it improve the crop’s nutritional value,taste and appearance (size, colour and scent), but alsoits resistance to deterioration during transport andstorage, and its suitability for industrial processing.The group’s US subsidiary, TessenderloKerley Inc. (www.tkinet.com) produces andmarkets speciality liquid-sulphur fertilizersunder the brand names Thio-sul ® and KTS ® ,and TRISERT ® , a range of triazone-based,slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.

A complete SOP rangeEnvironmental concerns and the need for more efficientfertilizer application mean growers demand the ability to applyan exact and uniform dose of fertilizer, whenever the cropdemands it. To make this possible, Tessenderlo Group offerscustomers four main SOP grades. Each contains a minimumof 50% K 2 O (42% K).SoluPotasse ® soluble SOPHigh purity and full solubility in water make SoluPotasse ®‘the’ soluble SOP for fertigation, foliar application and NPKsoluble mixes. SoluPotasse ® has become a leading fertilizerfor these applications and it is distributed in more than 60countries, mainly in 25 kg bags and/or 1 ton big bags.GranuPotasse ® granulated SOPGranuPotasse ® is ideal for bulk blending as well as directapplication. The granules are compacted to extreme hardnessso they can be handled and mixed without damage. Screeningduring manufacture and immediately before shippingguarantees a uniform granule size and density (size guidenumber: 300 or median size: 3mm). To facilitate use,GranuPotasse ® is also treated to be dust free.GranuPotasse ® is highly suitable for blending with other fertilizers,such as Ammonium Nitrate, Urea, DAP and TSP, providing theend-user with a balanced fertilizer for each crop and soil type.Standard and low-chloride SOPStandard and low-chloride grades are ideal as raw material formanufacturing high quality compound fertilizers targeted atfruit and vegetables. They can also be used as straight fertilizersfor direct application.High quality productionWith an annual production capacity of nearly 1.000.000 Mt,Tessenderlo Group can supply a full range of SOP fertilizersanywhere in the world.The group has manufactured SOP at Ham and Tessenderloin Belgium since the 1930’s. The Ham plant is the world’slargest single plant for SOP production via the Mannheimprocess and the Tessenderlo plant is the second largest.The Mannheim process brings potassium chloride andsulphuric acid together to create SOP. This synthetic productionof SOP brings certain advantages:● quality can be carefully controlled so customers receiveproduct of a consistently high standard.● the process can be adjusted to produce different gradesof SOP to meet the exact requirements of customers.To ensure that Tessenderlo Group markets the highestquality products, we closely monitor our raw materials,the production process and product transport and shipping.Each of our plants has its own quality control laboratory.Reliable logisticsOrganisation of flexible, co-ordinated logistics is an importantpart of Tessenderlo Group’s service to customers.Our plants are strategically located close to Antwerp, oneof Europe’s leading ports, and are also served by extensiveroad, rail and canal networks. These assets enable thegroup to deliver SOP efficiently around the world.The Ham plant has its own direct access to the Albert Canalwhere 3000 Mt barges and 1500 Mt coastal vessels areloaded for either transhipment to sea-going vessels or directdelivery.The Port of Antwerp is Europe’s most important containerhub and enables fast, competitive shipment of baggedGranuPotasse ® and SoluPotasse ® to ports throughoutthe world.Innovative R&DTessenderlo Group has its own research facilities dedicatedto upgrading its existing SOP product range and developingnew products.To further strengthen our customer support, the group’sagronomists supply technical and agronomic information,based on extensive field trials conducted in partnership withthe “Pôle d’Aspach” research centre in France. “Pôle d’Aspach”,located in the Alsace region, is one of the very few researchcentres specialising in fertilizer usage and crop nutrition.Efficient SOP production Competitive shipment Extensive field trialsThe Group is also a memberof SOPIB - the Sulphate ofPotash Information Board,whose aim is to develop andpromote the agronomic andeconomic benefits of SOPthrough science, researchand information.

Tessenderlo Group’s SOPSoluPotasse ® GranuPotasse ® Standard SOP Low-chloride SOPFine powder Granular Powder Powder................................................................................Typical technical characteristics:Average K 2 O50.9%50.3%50.3%50.5%Average SO 455.8%52.6%52.6%53.8%Average ClSieve analysisBulk density0.6% 2.1%2.1% 0.4%85% < 0.30mm1.40 (Struck) -1.10 (loose)90% between1.60mm & 4.5mm1.40 (Struck) -1.27 (loose)97% < 1.65mm(Tyler 10)1.40 (Struck) -1.18 (loose)96% < 1.65mm(Tyler 10)1.40 (Struck) -1.18 (loose)To produce:High value compoundsHigh value blendsHigh value soluble mixesFor application:Basal dressingOn the line or per plantGreenhouse, hydroponicsystemOpen field fertigation(drip, sprinkler, central pivot)Foliar feedingTessenderlo GroupTroonstraat, Rue du Trône 130 B-1050 Brussels, BelgiumTel: +32 2 639 18 11 - Fax: + 32 2 639 19 99www.tessenderlogroup.come-mail: fertilizers@tessenderlo.comWhile every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication,Tessenderlo Group cannot give any guarantee as to its accuracy or accept any liability resulting from its use.