Iodine is present everywhere, but only in trace amounts, and is an essential nutrient for the development of humans and animals. On the other hand, most major agricultural soils and irrigation water contain very low concentrations of this element and are generally not available for uptake by plants.
“The culture of innovation has always been present in all SQM developments. The world is constantly changing and it is important for the company to adapt by taking advantage of new opportunities, combining its current competitive advantages and the deep knowledge of the agricultural business that it has to continue leading the business of specialty plant nutrients.”- he comments Pablo Altimiras, Executive Vice President Nitrates Iodine
“SQM has spent more than 10 years researching, in collaboration with world-renowned scientists, the fundamental role of iodine as an essential nutrient in plant nutrition,” shares Harmen Tjalling Holwerda, Senior Director of the Business Development Nitrates and Iodine Business Unit at SQM and co -author of the scientific publication “Evidences for a Nutritional Role of Iodine in Plants” (2021) .
iodine effects
Los The effects of iodine on the plant were shown in three different ways.: for the description of the physical and behavioral characteristics of the plant, for gene expression, and, for the first time, for the identification of 82 iodinated proteins. “During these trials, the benefits of iodine at very low concentrations have been identified as being better in root development, growth of aerial parts of plants, photosynthesis, timely flowering, and yield, compared to control objects. : a clear indication of the role of iodine in plant nutrition. Since SQM is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of mineral fertilizers, we decided to support this fundamental research that leads to discovering the importance of this micronutrient for plants.”
In response to the above, and considering the productive synergy that SQM has, a specialized fertilizer with iodine for fertigated crops, Utrasol®ine, has been introduced to the market, so that producers can apply iodine as a nutritive microelement for crops. plants in a 100% safe way and at effective doses on a scientific basis.
SQM has carried out exhaustive tests around the world and is supported by more than 100 documented trials carried out with producers on the most agronomically relevant crops.
Nitrate-Iodine Uses
SQM is the main producer of iodine and different nitrates of natural origin, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and special mixtures. Potassium Nitrate is a natural, chlorine-free, highly soluble fertilizer that optimizes water use in agriculture when applied using the most sophisticated irrigation technologies, thereby increasing the quality and yield of high-value crops. Additionally, iodine is used in a wide range of medical, industrial, and agricultural applications and in human and animal nutrition products.
SQM has an integrated value chain, from production to marketing, offering high-value products to its customers in more than 100 countries on 5 continents. It is a global company, with a team of people committed to excellence; whose activity focuses on the extraction of minerals, capable of being selectively integrated into the processing and commercialization of products for essential industries for human development.
