On November 27, 2020, the Nitro-Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch of the China Nitrogen Fertilizer Industry Association made its debut in Qingdao, Shandong Province, at the "2020 China Phosphate and Compound Fertilizer Industry Association Exhibition & the 21st Domestic High-Concentration Phosphate and Compound Fertilizer Production and Sales Fair," jointly organized by the China Phosphate and Compound Fertilizer Industry Association and the Agricultural Production Materials Circulation Association. This phosphate and compound fertilizer conference was themed “Cultivating New Opportunities Amidst Crises and Opening New Frontiers Amidst Changing Circumstances,” and aimed to rally the entire industry to overcome current difficulties together, face challenges head-on, and jointly create a brighter future.

According to statistics, this exhibition attracted more than 240 companies, with over 20,000 visitors attending the booths. Companies from the Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch actively participated in this event. The branch, together with its president company Shanxi Huaxin Fertilizer Industry, jointly exhibited at the show. Several member companies also set up their own booths, and there were more than twenty other participating enterprises as well. With the advancement of integrated water-fertilizer technology, nitrate-based fertilizers—such as nitro-compound fertilizers, ammonium nitrate-calcium, and calcium nitrate—which have excellent water solubility—are gradually becoming a hot topic of market attention.

In 2019, the Nitro-Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch of the China Nitrogen Fertilizer Industry Association was officially established. Taking the "Jiaocheng Model" as its flagship initiative, and leveraging its unique geographical and natural resource advantages along with advanced concepts of environmentally friendly and intensive development, the branch has set out to build "China's Calcium Capital," thereby raising greater awareness and recognition among the public. This initiative has also opened up valuable growth opportunities for the subsequent market development of nitro fertilizers and has significantly boosted the vigorous development of the nitro-calcium-magnesium fertilizer industry. Currently, the sector boasts a maximum production capacity of 2 million tons, with an ammonia synthesis capacity of approximately 600,000 tons and a nitric acid capacity (including projects under construction) exceeding 1.6 million tons, thus forming a distinctive industrial chain dedicated to nitro-based products.

The Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Association actively promotes technological upgrades among its member companies and encourages the research and development of new calcium-magnesium fertilizers and related products. At this exhibition, member units of the Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Association have brought forth a wide array of innovative calcium-magnesium fertilizer products. Among these are products enriched with chelated trace elements such as copper, zinc, and boron, as well as those incorporating bio-enhancers—including polyglutamic acid, highly active functional microbial extracts, salt-tolerant beneficial bacteria, "brown algae oligosaccharides," humic acid, fulvic acid, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and other active ingredients. By carefully combining these additives in various formulations, these fertilizers can meet the specific nutrient requirements of different crops. In addition, Xin Nong Fertilizer Industry has introduced polyglutamic acid calcium, which effectively utilizes the carboxyl groups of polyglutamic acid to lock calcium ions and prevent their reaction with phosphate and sulfate ions. Meanwhile, Tian Feng Fertilizer Industry has launched a new process that combines amino acids, ultra-nano calcium, and 6G chelated magnesium, employing advanced superionic decomposition chelation technology. This groundbreaking approach represents a significant leap forward and sets a strong example for the traditional nitrate-based calcium-magnesium fertilizers.

The “0” nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur compound fertilizer—“Nade”—developed by Tianfeng Fertilizer Industry has quickly gained popularity among exhibitors and industry peers since its debut. Combining innovative processes for amino acids, ultra-nano calcium, and 6G chelated magnesium with cutting-edge superionic decomposition chelation technology, this new fertilizer has stood out prominently at the expo.

(Jiaocheng County Xinnong Fertilizer Industry showcases polyglutamic acid calcium)

(Lu Yongkuan, General Manager of Jiaocheng County Hongxing Chemical Co., Ltd., holds a symposium with exhibitors and the public.)

(A Roundtable Discussion Between Shanxi Jinlan Chemical Co., Ltd. and the Leadership of Tianji Group’s Fine Chemical Division)

According to analyses and forecasts by experts from the Institute of Resources and Agricultural Zoning of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Chinese Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, China’s demand for “two-calcium” products—calcium nitrate and calcium magnesium nitrate—covers 1 billion mu of land. At 20 kilograms per mu, this amounts to a total requirement of 20 million tons. Consequently, the market potential for calcium fertilizers remains substantial. In Appendix D of the newly revised NY/T2269-2019 “Ammonium Nitrate Calcium for Agricultural Use and Application Guidelines,” released this year by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, it is pointed out that calcium is an essential nutrient for plants and, along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is regarded as one of the “four major elements” of fertilizers. Calcium serves as a structural component in plants and cannot be mobilized or reused within the plant body. It enhances plants’ resistance to environmental stresses, improves crop quality, and extends storage life. It is projected that in the future, the average annual growth rate of China’s production capacity for ammonium nitrate calcium and calcium magnesium nitrate fertilizers will exceed 10%.

The application effects of ammonium nitrate calcium and calcium magnesium nitrate fertilizers in 2020 were tested on apple and peanut crops in Henan Province. The products were supplied by the Calcium Magnesium Nitrate Fertilizer Branch of the China Nitrogen Fertilizer Association (using Sanxi Chemical Products from Jiaocheng County). The data indicate that applying calcium magnesium nitrate fertilizers effectively improved both the yield and quality of apples. Moreover, ammonium nitrate calcium not only significantly boosted peanut yields on acidified soils in Zhumadian but also substantially reduced the incidence of peanut fruit rot in that region. After applying calcium magnesium nitrate, the average number of fruits per tree increased by 20, fruit diameter grew by approximately 3 mm, and overall yield rose by 16.3%, with a 3.1% increase in sugar content.

In the future, the Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Association will surely continue to strive diligently, work steadily, dare to innovate, and live up to everyone’s expectations. It will foster a sense of overall situation and service awareness, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of member enterprises, drive the joint development of member companies, strengthen industry management, and promote the healthy and orderly development of the nitro calcium-magnesium fertilizer industry!