Sustainable Agriculture
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Sustainability is a fundamental pillar in the business strategy of SQM's plant nutrition team, under this premise we provide intelligent and sustainable nutritional solutions. In this way we contribute to satisfy the demand for food while protecting the environment, conserving natural resources and ensuring social welfare.
Sustainable agriculture focuses on the efficient use of nutrients and water, the reduction of the carbon footprint and the conservation of soil and biodiversity. It also encourages precision farming practices, which optimizes resources and reduces environmental impact, promoting balanced and viable long-term agricultural production.
Efficient use of water
In a global scenario where food demand continues to increase and water scarcity is an increasingly critical challenge, SQM is positioned as a leader in the development of solutions that maximize quality agricultural production with the lowest possible water consumption. By promoting technologies such as fertigation through localized irrigation systems, water use efficiencies of up to 90% can be achieved. In addition, the use of balanced nutritional solutions, with low salt content and from rapidly assimilated sources, such as those offered by the Ultrasol® line, can increase the efficiency of nutrient use.
From a nutritional point of view, it is crucial to pay attention to the form of nitrogen applied and maintain optimal potassium levels to improve water use efficiency. Scientific studies show that a higher proportion of nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3-) versus ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+) in nutritional programs increases dry matter production and reduces transpiration, thus improving water efficiency. In addition, potassium regulates water pressure in plant cells, facilitating the opening and closing of stomata and, therefore, transpiration and water uptake.
To continue contributing to sustainable agriculture, SQM develops innovative products that ensure the profitability of producers and the efficient use of water, such as Ultrasol® ProHydriQ®.
ProHydriQ® technology improves water infiltration and retention in the soil, optimizing its distribution in the profile and reducing evaporation losses. This keeps more moisture available for plants, allowing efficient water use, favoring the development of the root system and the use of nutrients.
SQM’s Plant Nutrition team is constantly searching for new technologies applicable via fertigation to increase water use efficiency, improve crop productivity and ensure a better return on investment for the farmer.