MOP fertilizer is usually refined from sylvanite ore or extracted from carnallitic brine. MOP is also used to produce NPK fertilizer as a source of potassium and raw material for industrial uses. MOP has a 60-61% K2O content. MOP is the main Potassium product and the predominant source of K2O in fertilizers.
Potassium chloride (commonly referred to as muriate of potash or mop) is the most common potassium source used in agriculture, accounting for about 95% of all potash fertilizers used worldwide. MOP has a high nutrient concentration and is, therefore, relatively price-competitive with other forms of potassium.
Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient required by plants in large quantities. Potassium does not become part of the many complex organic molecules in the plant. It moves and performs many of its functions as a free ion, such as regulating plant water pressure, activating enzymes, balancing electrical charges, transporting sugars and starches, and more.
Potassium fertilizers are mined from various geologic potassium salt deposits around the world. Some of the richest are in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The salts are processed to remove impurities and converted to various fertilizers. Two of the most popular potassium fertilizers derived from these salt deposits are potassium chloride and potassium sulfate. The term “potash” is a general term often used to refer to various potassium fertilizer salts or, sometimes more specifically, to potassium chloride, the most widely used potassium fertilizer. Potassium chloride is referred to as “muriate (meaning chloride) of potash” or MOP, while potassium sulfate is sometimes called “sulfate of potash” or SOP.2,3
MOP fertilizer chemical composition
- Nitrogen (N)%: 0
- Potassium (K)%: 50
- Sulphur (S)%:0
- Zinc (Zn)%: 0
- Moisture % by weight (maximum) – 0.5 %
- Water soluble potash (as k2o)
- Percent by weight (minimum) – 60%
- Sodium as NACL percent by weight (on dry basis) maximum – 3.5 %
Uses of MOP fertilizer
- Potassium in MOP fertilizer stimulates the growth of strong stems and gives the plant some disease resistance by promoting the thickness of the outer cell walls.
- Adequate potassium can reduce moisture loss from growing plants, thereby giving some drought resistance.
- MOP fertilizer improves fruit and vegetables’ color, flavor, and storage quality.
- MOP is the most concentrated form of granular potassium and is typically the most cost-effective.
- The even granule size of MOP allows for accurate spreading.
- MOP is commonly blended with SSP to supply major nutrients for pasture-based systems.
- Bolder granules ensure maximum utilization efficiency of applied Potash with minimum losses.
- Can be applied to crops independently, based on soil test
- Better quality of produce
- Reduces cost of pest management
Quality & Handling of MOP Fertilizer
- Nominal 2-4 mm particle sizing, pink in color.
- Bulk density 1.05 tons per cubic meter.