Muriate of Potash (MOP) / Potassium Chloride (MOP)
Chemical Formula: KCl Standard Grade: 0-0-60 (60% K₂O)
Potassium Chloride, commonly called Muriate of Potash (MOP), is the most widely used potassium fertilizer in global agriculture. It is a concentrated source of potassium (K), one of the three primary macronutrients essential for plant growth, yield, and quality.
MOP is produced from natural potash deposits or brine sources. After mining or extraction, the material is purified, granulated or crystallized, and screened to produce free-flowing granules or crystals suitable for direct application or blending.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Standard (Pink/Red) Grade | White / High-Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Oxide (K₂O) | % | 60 min | 60–62 min |
| Potassium Chloride (KCl) | % | 95–96 min | 97–98.5 min |
| Moisture | % | 0.5 max | 0.5 max |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | % | 2.5–3.5 max | 1.5–2.5 max |
| Water Insoluble | % | 0.5 max | 0.1–0.3 max |
| Particle Size (typically 1–4 mm or 2–4 mm) | % | 90 min | 90 min |
| Appearance | — | Pink / Red / Brownish granules | White crystals / granules |
| Bulk Density (approx.) | kg/m³ | 1,050–1,200 | 1,050–1,200 |
Typical Physical Properties
- Highly water-soluble
- Free-flowing granules or crystals
- Good storage and handling characteristics when kept dry
- Suitable for bulk blending with most nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers
Key Benefits
- Highest potassium concentration among common potash fertilizers (60% K₂O), reducing freight and application costs.
- Excellent solubility — nutrients become quickly available to plants.
- Cost-effective — the most economical source of potassium for large-scale farming.
- Improves crop quality — enhances fruit size, colour, sugar content, flavour, and shelf life.
- Strengthens plants — improves resistance to drought, lodging, and certain diseases by regulating water relations and strengthening cell walls.
- Versatile application — suitable for basal dressing, top dressing, broadcasting, and blending.
Note on Chloride Content: MOP contains approximately 45–47% chloride. It is highly suitable for chloride-tolerant crops. For chloride-sensitive crops (e.g., potatoes, tobacco, grapes, citrus, some vegetables), Potassium Sulphate (SOP) is generally preferred.
Recommended Applications
Highly Suitable (Chloride-tolerant crops):
- Cereals: Wheat, maize/corn, rice, barley
- Oilseeds: Soybean, sunflower, canola
- Sugarcane, cotton, pasture, and most field crops
- Many vegetables and fruit trees (depending on soil and climate)
Use with Caution or Prefer SOP:
- Potatoes, tobacco, grapes, citrus, some leafy vegetables, and greenhouse crops sensitive to chloride accumulation
Application Methods:
- Broadcast or banded before planting (basal)
- Top dressing during crop growth
- Bulk blending with urea, DAP, MAP, or NPK compounds
- Fertigation (after proper dissolution) in some systems
Typical rates vary widely by soil test, crop, and region (commonly 50–200+ kg/ha).
Packaging Options
- 25 kg or 50 kg polypropylene bags (common for retail and medium-scale use)
- 1,000 kg jumbo bags (FIBC)
- Bulk (loose) delivery by truck, rail, or vessel for large industrial and commercial operations
Storage & Handling Recommendations
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from moisture.
- Keep bags sealed and stacked on pallets to prevent caking and moisture absorption.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.
- Use standard personal protective equipment during handling (gloves, dust mask if needed).
Summary
Potassium Chloride (MOP 0-0-60) is the backbone potassium fertilizer for modern agriculture due to its high analysis, solubility, availability, and cost efficiency. When matched correctly to crop type and soil conditions, it delivers strong returns through improved yield, quality, and plant resilience.
For commercial inquiries, current availability, or technical data sheets, please contact us.
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