Autumn Fertilization: Why a Coated Fertilizer Makes the Biggest Difference Now

The last application of the year may well be the most important one. The turf has to get through the entire winter on it, while conditions move in exactly the wrong direction. Temperatures drop, growth slows down and rainfall increases.

That is the moment when the real value of a fertilizer becomes visible. Because a granule that releases everything at once will do so even when the grass cannot use it.

Autumn is the most demanding feeding moment of the year

In spring and summer the grass grows fast. Nutrients that become available are taken up almost immediately. There is room for error.

In autumn that room disappears. The uptake capacity of the plant declines, while the risk of loss increases. So the question is not only how much you apply, but above all how and when those nutrients become available.

Release that follows temperature

Temperature-driven release

See how soil temperature influences nutrient release

Adjust the soil temperature and compare how a Durable® coated fertilizer releases nutrients gradually, while a conventional fast-acting fertilizer makes nutrients available much faster.

Soil temperature Move the slider to simulate conditions

11 °C

0 °C 5 °C 10 °C 15 °C 20 °C 25 °C

Winter · 3 °C Early spring · 8 °C Autumn · 11 °C Growing season · 18 °C

Nutrient release after application

Controlled release active

Durable® coated fertilizer

Conventional fertilizer

Durable® coated

0%

Estimated nutrient release after 4 weeks

Conventional

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Estimated nutrient release after 4 weeks

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Autumn conditions

As soil temperatures decrease, nutrient release from the coated granule slows down as well. This helps align nutrient availability more closely with plant activity.

Illustrative representation of the nutrient release principle. Actual release depends on product formulation, specified longevity, soil temperature, moisture and local growing conditions.

With Durable® coating technology from Mivena, nutrients are released in a controlled and gradual way. That release is largely driven by temperature.

As long as soil temperature is high enough and the grass is still actively growing, nutrients keep becoming available. When temperature drops and growth slows, the release slows down as well.

• Higher temperature and active growth = more release.
• Lower temperature and limited growth = less release.

Feeding therefore matches the actual demand of the grass far more closely. The fertilizer effectively moves along with the season.

No unwanted nutrient peak in the final autumn application

With a fast acting conventional fertilizer, a large share of the nutrients becomes available shortly after application.

Late in the season this can work against you. Growth is slowing down and so is the demand for nitrogen. A large volume of directly available nutrition is then used less efficiently.

A Durable® coated fertilizer prevents that sharp peak. Nutrients become available gradually and follow the activity of the plant. The grass is fed when it can actually use the nutrition, without forcing an unnecessary flush at the end of the season.

Lower risk of leaching

In autumn and winter the risk of leaching increases. Rainfall is higher, while nutrient uptake by the grass is lower.

With Durable®, a significant part of the nutrition stays protected inside the coating and is only released gradually. This helps to limit losses and keeps more of the applied nutrition available to the turf.

Less loss ultimately means a more efficient use of every kilogram of fertilizer.

Performance from autumn into early spring

One of the biggest advantages of a coated fertilizer is its long working period. Depending on the product and the conditions, an autumn application can continue to supply nutrition over an extended period.

Autumn → winter → early spring

When temperatures are low during winter, release slows down considerably. As soon as temperatures rise again in spring, release picks up.

The grass is fed in autumn while there is still growth, release is limited during cold spells, and nutrition becomes available again in early spring as soon as growth resumes.

High potassium: ideal heading into winter

For autumn and winter feeding, formulations with a relatively high potassium content are particularly interesting. Potassium plays an important role in:

• the water balance of the plant;
• cell wall strength;
• stress tolerance;
• winter hardiness;
• the overall vitality of the sward.

This is why Granucote® and GreenStar® with a high potassium content are very well suited for applications heading into winter.

Formulations with an N:K ratio of roughly 1:2 supply enough nitrogen for controlled growth, combined with extra potassium to take the plant into winter strong and vital.

Why coating matters most in this period

A high quality coated fertilizer offers benefits all year round. But nowhere do the properties of Durable® come together as clearly as in the autumn and winter period:

• no sharp release peak;
• lower risk of leaching;
• temperature driven feeding;
• long lasting performance;
• nutrition that becomes available again once growth resumes.

Frequently asked questions

01 When should I apply the last autumn fertilization?

As long as the grass still shows active growth and the soil temperature is sufficient. With a coated fertilizer, timing is less critical because nutrient release adapts to temperature.

02 What is the difference between a coated and a fast-acting fertilizer?

A fast-acting fertilizer releases most of its nutrients shortly after application. A coated fertilizer releases nutrients gradually, with the release rate primarily driven by temperature.

03 Why is potassium important in autumn?

Potassium supports water regulation, cell strength, stress tolerance and winter hardiness, helping the grass plant prepare for colder and more stressful conditions.

04 Does an autumn application still work in spring?

Yes. At low temperatures, nutrient release slows down considerably. As soil temperatures rise again in early spring, release gradually increases and the remaining nutrients become available to the grass.

Choose on timing, not just on quantity

For the final application of the year, the question is not how much nutrition is in the bag, but when that nutrition reaches the plant.

With Durable® you choose a feeding programme that adapts to the conditions and supports the turf from autumn well into the new season.

Controlled nutrition when the grass needs it most.

Wondering which formulation fits your turf and season best? Get in touch with Mivena or explore the Granucote® and GreenStar® range.

VIEW GRANUCOTE® CRF

VIEW GREENSTAR® CRF

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Saving on plant nutrition can end up costing far more than it saves.

In ornamental plant production, fertilizer represents only a small share of total production costs. Yet it influences the entire crop cycle. Growth, size, colour, uniformity, vitality, root development, losses and ultimately saleable quality all depend on it.

That is why the lowest price per kilogram is rarely the right selection criterion.

Why the cheapest fertilizer can be the most expensive

Saving a few cents on nutrition has almost no effect on your cost price. But a plant that falls behind in growth, fails to reach the required saleable size, ends up in a lower quality grade, is less vigorous, needs corrective treatments, has to be grown on longer or is lost entirely will cost the grower far more than those savings deliver.

The cheapest fertilizer per kilogram is therefore often the most expensive choice per saleable plant.

CRF: the price difference per plant is minimal

Based on a high quality CRF costing € 1.00 per kg more, applied at 4 kg/m³.

Pot volume	CRF per plant	Additional cost
1 litre	4 grams	€ 0.004
2 litre	8 grams	€ 0.008
3 litre	12 grams	€ 0.012
5 litre	20 grams	€ 0.020

For a 2 litre plant this comes down to 0.8 cents extra per plant.

For a 2 litre plant that is 0.8 cents extra per plant. As soon as the better nutrition helps a few percent more plants become saleable or reach A grade quality, that difference is recovered many times over.

The difference is just as small with WSF

The same applies to water soluble fertilizers. A typical WSF application is around 10 grams per m² per week, depending on the crop, growth stage and growing system. That equals 0.010 kg per m² per week.

Suppose a cheaper WSF costs € 1.50 per kg and a high quality WSF costs € 2.00 per kg. The price difference is € 0.50 per kg.

• Extra cost per m² per week: 0.010 kg × € 0.50 = € 0.005
• Over a 20 week crop cycle: 20 × € 0.005 = € 0.10 per m²
• On 1,000 m² over 20 weeks: € 100 extra

One hundred euros is a very small amount when a better nutrition strategy contributes to more uniform growth, better leaf colour, fewer laggards, improved vitality and a higher percentage of saleable plants.

What can better nutrition deliver financially?

Model scenarios per 10,000 plants, showing the additional investment against the potential value of a better batch.

Crop	Extra investment in high quality nutrition	Potential gain from quality and reduced losses*
Pelargonium	± € 30 to € 60	± € 400
Prunus 2 L	± € 80	± € 1,100
Hydrangea	± € 100	± € 2,400
Taxus 3 L	± € 120	± € 2,200

*Model scenarios based on a combination of reduced losses and a larger share of A grade quality. Actual results depend on the crop, the business and the growing conditions.

*Model scenarios based on a combination of reduced losses and a larger share of A grade quality. Actual results depend on the crop, the business and the growing conditions.

Worked example: Prunus 2 litre

A grower produces 10,000 plants, the high quality CRF costs € 1.00 per kg more and the dosage is 8 grams per plant. The additional investment comes to € 80.

Now suppose that, thanks to a better overall growing strategy, losses drop from 5% to 3%, more plants reach the required size and the share of A grade quality rises from 70% to 82%. In this scenario the additional sales value rises to roughly € 1,100 per 10,000 plants, against € 80 in extra fertilizer costs.

The ratio between investment and potential return is therefore very favourable.

Vitality counts just as much

Good nutrition goes beyond centimetres of growth. A well fed crop has the right nutrients available for root development, strong cell and plant structure, leaf colour, recovery after stress, new shoot formation, uniform development and reaching the required saleable quality. A vigorous and uniform crop also needs fewer corrective treatments.

One principle always applies: optimal nutrition is not the same as maximum nutrition. Both deficiencies and over fertilization must be avoided. It comes down to the right formulation, the right dosage, the right longevity and availability at the right moment.

CRF plus WSF: investing in control over the crop

A high quality nutrition strategy combines two elements.

CRF provides a controlled base supply over an extended period.

WSF provides immediate availability and allows precise adjustment based on crop demand, growth stage, season and water quality.

It is the combination that gives the grower control. CRF lays the foundation, WSF makes targeted correction possible. Cutting back on either one often means correcting later, when the plant has already lost growth or quality.

The calculation that matters most

If fertilizer represents only a few percent of your cost price, selecting on price per kilogram is economically unwise. Do not save € 0.01 on nutrition when € 0.10 to € 0.50 in plant value is at stake.

A plant is not sold on the purchase price of the fertilizer used to grow it. It is sold on size, colour, uniformity, vitality, quality and saleability. And that is exactly where nutrition has a major influence.

So do not choose the cheapest fertilizer. Choose the best fertilizer for the crop.

With high quality CRF and WSF from Mivena, growers invest not only in nutrition but in the end result of the crop.

Frequently asked questions

How much more expensive is a high quality CRF per plant? At a price difference of € 1.00 per kg and a dosage of 4 kg/m³, it is around 0.4 cents per litre of pot volume. For a 2 litre plant that is 0.8 cents.

What does a better WSF cost per m²? At an application rate of 10 grams per m² per week and a price difference of € 0.50 per kg, it is half a cent per m² per week, or € 0.10 per m² over a 20 week crop cycle.

Can CRF and WSF be combined? Yes, and in many crops that is the strongest approach. CRF supplies the base nutrition over a longer period, while WSF allows targeted adjustment.

Is more fertilizer always better? No. Over fertilization can be just as damaging as a deficiency. What matters is the right formulation, dosage, longevity and availability at the right moment.

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Want to know which nutrition strategy suits your crop? Contact Mivena for tailored advice.

Mivena. The Specialist in Specialty Fertilizers

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The global fertilizer market is currently facing its most severe disruption since 2022. While the sector has been under pressure for quite some time, developments over the past few weeks have pushed the market into a new phase of uncertainty. A combination of geopolitical tensions, disrupted trade routes, elevated energy prices, restricted export volumes and rising logistics costs is creating a highly unstable environment.

This situation does not only affect producers, distributors and growers. It affects the entire food chain. Fertilizers remain a vital link between energy, crop production and food security.

The market was already under pressure before the recent escalation

To understand the seriousness of the current situation, it is important to note that the fertilizer market entered 2026 in an already tense position. In many segments, prices were already above the levels seen one year earlier, and market sentiment was clearly leaning towards further upward pressure rather than correction.

One of the main reasons was China’s export policy. China has traditionally played a major role in stabilizing global phosphate markets, but export volumes declined significantly in 2025. In addition, the country made clear that urea exports would remain restricted in order to prioritize domestic food security. While understandable from a national perspective, this has left a substantial gap in the global supply balance.

At the same time, Europe has continued to face relatively high natural gas prices. This remains highly relevant for nitrogen fertilizers such as urea, ammonia and UAN, as natural gas is a key feedstock in production. As a result, European production capacity has remained below normal levels.

In short, the market was already vulnerable. The events of late February and March have only intensified that fragility.

Why the Gulf region is so important to the fertilizer industry

The Strait of Hormuz is widely known as a strategic route for oil and gas. What is less widely understood is how critical the same corridor is for the global fertilizer trade.

The Gulf region combines three strategic advantages: abundant natural gas reserves, well-developed industrial infrastructure, and direct shipping access to some of the largest agricultural import markets in the world, including India, Brazil and North Africa. Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait therefore play a central role in the export of urea, ammonia, sulphur and phosphate-related raw materials.

Sulphur deserves particular attention. It is not only an essential nutrient for crops, but also a critical raw material in the production of sulphuric acid. That acid is required to convert phosphate rock into plant-available phosphate fertilizers. In other words, disruptions in sulphur supply do not only affect direct trade flows, but also phosphate fertilizer production worldwide.

A significant share of global seaborne trade in urea, sulphur, ammonia and phosphates passes through the Strait of Hormuz. When that route is disrupted, the effects are felt immediately across international markets.

The market shifted rapidly at the end of February

The recent escalation in the Middle East has had an immediate impact on fertilizer markets. Disruptions to shipping routes in and around the Gulf quickly translated into higher prices, supply concerns and greater uncertainty in procurement and delivery planning.

What followed was not only a response to actual supply disruption, but also a strong risk-based reaction from the market. Once producers, traders and buyers begin to price in uncertainty around availability and logistics, price formation changes rapidly. That is exactly what we are seeing today.

The impact is broader than physical shipments alone. LNG-related disruptions have also affected nitrogen production outside the Gulf, especially in markets dependent on imported gas. This has turned the current situation into a wider supply chain issue rather than a purely regional event.

What are prices doing?

Price increases are broad-based and affect several fertilizer groups at the same time. That makes this disruption fundamentally different from a temporary movement in just one nutrient market.

Urea has been the most affected product so far. In several markets, prices have risen sharply compared to pre-escalation levels. Ammonia has also moved significantly higher. DAP and MAP have followed the same direction, partly because of tightness in sulphur supply and the indirect impact on phosphate production outside the Gulf. Sulphur itself was already trading at elevated levels earlier this year and has now become even more difficult to source.

Potash has been relatively less affected, mainly because its supply base is less directly dependent on the Gulf region. Even so, the wider uncertainty in energy, freight and global trade continues to influence sentiment across all fertilizer markets.

For growers and distributors, this means that input costs have changed considerably in a short period of time. In markets with tight margins, this directly affects purchasing decisions, application strategies and timing.

Why this crisis is heavier than earlier market disruptions

What makes the current situation especially challenging is the combination of multiple risk factors at the same time.

The market was already dealing with restricted Chinese exports, expensive European gas, and tightness in several raw material segments. On top of that, the recent geopolitical escalation has introduced additional freight pressure, higher insurance premiums, logistical uncertainty and renewed volatility in procurement.

CBAM-related cost pressure within the European Union is also adding to the overall complexity. That means the market is not responding to one single event, but to a stack of structural and short-term pressures happening simultaneously.

Weather remains another important variable. If reduced fertilizer availability or higher prices are combined with difficult growing conditions in major agricultural regions, the impact on crop performance becomes even more significant.

Three possible scenarios for the rest of 2026

Looking ahead, three broad scenarios appear possible.

In a positive scenario, diplomatic efforts succeed in easing tensions and major shipping routes reopen more fully in the short term. If that happens, fertilizer prices may partially correct during the second half of the year, although a full return to previous levels remains unlikely.

The most realistic scenario at this stage appears to be partial normalization. In that case, trade continues, but under higher costs, tighter conditions and ongoing uncertainty. Prices would then remain structurally above pre-crisis levels, with higher freight, insurance and raw material costs built into the market.

In a more negative scenario, disruptions continue for a longer period and production infrastructure in the region comes under further pressure. That would likely lead to another sharp upward move in prices and a growing risk of physical supply shortages in several markets.

What this means in the longer term

Regardless of which scenario unfolds, one conclusion is already clear: this crisis will accelerate structural change in the global fertilizer market.

Countries and regions that depend heavily on one supply origin will increasingly focus on supplier diversification, local production and supply security. Within Europe, discussions around strategic fertilizer resilience are likely to intensify further.

In the longer term, alternative production routes such as green ammonia may gain momentum. However, these are medium- to long-term developments. They will not solve the immediate market imbalance. In the short term, the industry remains highly dependent on geopolitical stability, energy pricing and the availability of global logistics capacity.

Our view on the current situation

At present, the fertilizer market is being driven not only by confirmed supply disruptions, but also by uncertainty. That makes the current environment especially difficult to navigate. A sudden de-escalation could trigger equally sharp price corrections. However, as long as uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional developments remains in place, upward risk continues to outweigh downward potential.

For producers, distributors and professional end users, this means flexibility, timing and clear communication are more important than ever. Market conditions may change quickly, and purchasing decisions increasingly need to take raw material volatility, freight movements and delivery uncertainty into account.

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Maximizing plant nutrition through better irrigation water quality

Water plays a critical role in plant development, acting as the transport medium for nutrients throughout the plant. The effectiveness of any fertilization strategy is therefore directly influenced by the quality of irrigation water. Even well-balanced fertilizers require the right water conditions to perform at their full potential.

Why Water Quality Matters

Irrigation water influences substrate chemistry, nutrient availability, and root zone stability. Key parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and mineral content define how nutrients behave after application.

In practice, even small imbalances can lead to nutrient lock-up, deficiencies, or inefficient uptake. Understanding water composition allows growers to make more precise and reliable decisions.

Practical Steps to Improve Irrigation Water

1. Monitor Water Quality Regularly

Regular water analysis forms the basis of a stable fertilization strategy. Testing at least once per year, or more frequently when water sources fluctuate, helps detect changes before they impact crop performance.

2. Translate Analysis into Action

Water analysis only adds value when it leads to adjustments. By interpreting results correctly, growers can fine-tune fertilization programs and prevent nutrient imbalances.

3. Focus on Key Parameters

pH
pH determines nutrient availability. High pH levels can reduce the uptake of essential micronutrients.

Electrical Conductivity (EC)
EC reflects the total concentration of dissolved salts. High EC can stress plants, while low EC may indicate insufficient nutrient levels.

Bicarbonates, Calcium & Magnesium
These elements influence buffering capacity and nutrient balance. High bicarbonates can make pH correction more difficult, while low Ca and Mg levels may require supplementation.

4. Adjust Where Needed

Depending on the water composition, targeted actions may be required:

• Acidification to lower pH

• Supplementation of calcium or magnesium

• Adjusting fertilizer formulations

• Optimizing irrigation volumes based on EC and crop demand

5. Consider Your Water Source

Rainwater
Soft water with low mineral content. May require calcium and magnesium supplementation and has limited buffering capacity.

Well Water
Often contains higher levels of minerals and bicarbonates. May require acidification and offers stronger buffering.

Understanding your water source helps predict how it interacts with fertilizers.

6. Align Irrigation with Crop Needs

Effective irrigation is always a balance between water quality, environmental conditions, and crop requirements. Fine-tuning this balance ensures efficient nutrient delivery and optimal plant performance.

7. Improve Water Distribution

Uniform water distribution is essential for consistent nutrient uptake. Wetting agents can improve water penetration, reduce dry spots, and enhance nutrient availability, especially in modern substrates.

8. Integrate Water and Fertilization Strategies

At Mivena, we approach water quality and fertilization as one integrated system. By aligning nutrient release technologies with real irrigation conditions, growers can achieve more consistent results and improved efficiency across different crops and climates.

Conclusion

Irrigation water quality is a key factor in successful crop production. By understanding its composition and applying targeted adjustments, growers can significantly improve nutrient efficiency and plant performance. A balanced approach to water and fertilization leads to more stable, reliable, and high-quality results.

Looking to improve nutrient efficiency?

Our technical specialists can help you translate water analysis into practical fertilization strategies.

Get in touch with our team

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Microgranules in the seed row: Why a strong root start makes the difference

A crop makes decisions early. In the first weeks after sowing or planting, the foundation is built for root volume, nutrient uptake capacity and uniform growth. And that early start often determines how many “corrections” you need later: extra fertilizer applications, growth setbacks caused by stress, or an uneven crop that becomes harder to manage.

Microgranular starter fertilization is one of the most effective ways to improve that start, because you place nutrients exactly where the plant needs them most: in or directly next to the seed row.

What happens in the soil during early growth?

During germination and emergence, the plant develops a network of fine roots and root hairs. These are the “uptake organs” responsible for absorbing water and nutrients. The faster this network develops, the sooner the plant can:

• Absorb nutrients efficiently,

• Cope better with cold or dry conditions,

• Grow more uniformly,

• and enter the season with stronger momentum.

A root network like the one you see in macro images, thicker main roots with thousands of fine feeder roots, is not just a lab detail. It is literally the engine behind yield potential.

Why microgranules are so efficient

The advantage of microgranules is not “applying more”, but placing smarter.

With broadcast fertilization, nutrients are spread across the entire field. That’s fine for base applications, but less ideal in the first weeks: the young root system is still small and explores only a limited soil volume. With microgranules, you create a concentrated nutrient zone around the seed or planting material. That Ato:

• faster availability in the root zone,

• fewer losses outside the uptake area,

• and more uniform emergence.

The role of slow-release nitrogen (methylene urea)

In the start phase, you don’t want an “all-at-once” nitrogen peak. Part of that nitrogen can be lost, or the plant may grow too fast without building a stable foundation.

With methylene urea (MU) as a slow-release nitrogen source, nitrogen becomes available gradually. This supports steady, consistent growth and helps reduce the risk of losses. Combined with precise placement in the row, you make nutrients not only available, but truly usable.

Magnesium: greener leaves, better efficiency

Magnesium plays a key role in chlorophyll (leaf green) and therefore in photosynthesis. In practice, that means: a stronger start, higher energy production, and more efficient nitrogen utilisation, exactly what you want when the crop needs to “switch on”.

Granuform®: starter fertilisation designed for row placement

Granuform® is a microgranular starter fertilizer for arable applications. By applying it directly in or next to the seed row, the crop gains rapid access to nutrients in the root zone. Granuform® includes slow-release nitrogen via methylene urea (MU) and is enriched with magnesium to support chlorophyll formation and nutrient efficiency.

In short:

• precision nutrition at seed/planting material

• fast, uniform early growth

• strong root development in the start phase

• long-lasting N supply through MU

• microgranules (0.5–1.0 mm) for even distribution

Application & rate (practical)

Granuform® is applied using a microgranule applicator or precision seeder, directly in or next to the seed row.

Guideline rate: 20–40 kg/ha
(depending on crop, soil type and fertilisation strategy)

Important: do not exceed the recommended rate and always follow national fertilization regulations.

When is microgranular starter fertilisation especially valuable?

Microgranules in the row are particularly relevant when you:

• face a cold or slow spring (delayed root start),

• want to stimulate early rooting and uptake,

• need a more uniform crop for mechanical operations,

• aim to increase efficiency at lower application rates,

• or want stable, controlled nitrogen availability early on.

Practical tips to maximise performance

• Placement is everything
  Ensure the fertilizer is positioned in the zone around the seed/planting material.

• Calibrate the microgranule unit
  Microgranules only deliver results when your equipment accurately doses per row.

• Storage & handling
  Store dry and cool in the original packaging. Avoid large temperature fluctuations and moisture.

Conclusion: start smarter, correct less

A strong root system is not a “nice to have”. It is the foundation for nutrient uptake, stress resilience and uniform growth. With microgranular starter fertilization, you place nutrients exactly where the crop is most sensitive to shortages: right next to the roots.

Granuform® combines precision placement with slow-release nitrogen (MU) and magnesium for a powerful, stable start.

Granuform® – The smartest start in the row.

Interested in improving your crop’s early growth?

Discover how Granuform® microgranular starter fertilization supports strong root development and uniform crop establishment.

Download Granuform® Brochure (NL)

Explore Granuform® product page

Contact Our Technical Specialist

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Why potassium sulfate is often smarter than potassium nitrate

Quick summary:

For sports turf, you want potassium to be stable and controllable, without growth spikes or unnecessary leaching risk. Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) tends to deliver a calmer, more consistent effect, while potassium nitrate (KNO₃) acts faster but is often shorter-lived and more “peak-prone” due to nitrate mobility.

Sports turf is all about control

In sports turf management, it’s all about consistent quality: stable growth, strong plant structure, stress tolerance, and avoiding peaks and dips. Yet in specifications and tenders, we still regularly see potassium nitrate (KNO₃) written in as an explicit requirement.

That steers the market toward one specific raw material, while agronomically, there are often better alternatives. In many sports turf applications, potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) is simply the more logical choice.

1) The key difference isn’t potassium, it’s the “companion ion”

Both sources supply potassium (K). The real difference is what comes with it:

• Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) → potassium + sulfate

• Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) → potassium + nitrate

That companion ion strongly influences mobility, speed, and controllability in your fertilization program.

2) Nitrate is fast and highly mobile (which often means shorter effective performance)

Nitrate (NO₃⁻) dissolves immediately and moves easily with water through the soil. That typically results in:

• rapid uptake and a fast visible response

• a shorter effective window (what you apply can be “gone” faster via uptake or leaching)

• a higher chance of growth flushes followed by a drop-off

• under less favorable conditions, a higher risk of loss through leaching

On sports turf, a quick “kick” isn’t always a benefit. Most managers prefer steady, healthy growth and predictability.

3) Sulfate works calmer and fits better into a controlled strategy

Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) is less mobile than nitrate and does not trigger an immediate growth surge. That makes potassium sulfate a better fit for sports turf, because it:

• supports a more even growth pattern

• adds no extra nitrogen impulse

• integrates well with programs where nitrogen is managed separately (e.g., via CRF/SRF strategies)

Practically speaking: you deliver potassium where it’s needed, without automatically adding “extra growth pressure.”

Mini comparison: K₂SO₄ vs KNO₃ (sports turf)

Focus: mobility, controllability, and peak risk in turf nutrition programs.

Feature	Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄)	Potassium nitrate (KNO₃)
Companion ion	Sulfate	Nitrate
Speed of response	Calm / even	Fast / immediate
Soil mobility	Lower than nitrate	Very high
Release behavior	More consistent, less peak-prone	More peak-prone, often shorter effective window
Nitrogen impulse	No	Yes (via nitrate)
Fit with controlled N strategy	Strong	Less logical (N is “attached” to K)
Leaching risk (companion ion)	Lower	Higher (nitrate)

Autumn and winter: why nitrate is often less desirable

In autumn and winter, the goal shifts from “pushing growth” to maintaining vitality: root health, stress tolerance, and a stable plant without soft growth. During this period, turf managers often want less nitrate-driven growth, because conditions (temperature, light, uptake capacity) are less favorable and the risk of nutrient loss increases.

Potassium sulfate fits this seasonal approach well: you support potassium function without a direct nitrate impulse, helping you keep calm and control in the program.

Specifications: focus on function, not one raw material

A tender that literally requires “potassium nitrate” focuses on the means rather than the goal. In sports turf, the goal is typically:

• consistent potassium availability in the rootzone

• limited peak effects

• low leaching sensitivity

• smooth integration into a controlled nutrition plan

Conclusion

On sports turf, potassium should be stable, predictable, and controllable—without unwanted peaks. That’s why potassium sulfate is in many cases a more practical and agronomically stronger alternative than potassium nitrate, especially when nitrogen is managed separately through a controlled strategy.

Want to know which potassium strategy best fits your field, season, and management goals? We’re happy to help with a practical fertilization plan and if desired, support it with soil and/or plant sap measurements.

Contact Our Technical Manager

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Better Spread, Better Fertilization

Does size matter? It may sound playful, but in controlled-release fertilizers it points to something essential: granule size and, even more importantly, how many granules you apply per gram.

Modern CRF technology focuses on coatings, osmotic processes and release curves, but true nutritional uniformity starts with something much simpler. It’s the number of contact points on the field or in the growing medium, the number of granules within a single gram of fertilizer.

More granules means more precision

A CRF granule is not just a pellet. It is a micro-reservoir of nutrients that releases over several months. When you apply fifteen or sixteen of those reservoirs per gram, the feeding pattern across the crop looks very different compared to applying forty or more.

Mivena compared several similar CRF products, all with six-month longevity and all fully coated NPK formulas. Each product was tested by counting exactly one gram of granules. The results were striking.

Results:

Horti-Cote Plus 16-6-11 → 41 granules per gram
O-cote Exact Standard 15-9-12 → 28 granules per gram
M-Cote 15-9-15 → 17 granules per gram
E-kote 15-9-14 → 16 granules per gram

The conclusion is simple. When the same amount of nutrients is divided over smaller and more uniform granules, you create more contact points in the root zone. More contact points lead to a more even nutrient supply. And a CRF that falls more evenly performs more evenly.

The comparison speaks for itself. At the same weight, Durable® CRF 44-0-0 delivers roughly four times more granules than Cote-N 42-0-0. More granules mean more contact points, a finer spread pattern and noticeably more uniform feeding across the treated area. This simple physical difference directly translates into more consistent plant performance.

Impact on growth, colour and root development

Plant performance is highly sensitive to variations in nutrient distribution. A finer granule distribution leads to more uniform colour, more consistent leaf mass and fewer visible patches. In both turf and horticultural crops, a higher granule count results in steadier growth and predictable biomass production.

Roots benefit as well. When nutrients are released evenly, stress is reduced and plants develop a more balanced root system. This effect is especially important in soft fruit, pot plants and young plants where uniformity is critical.

Visual of spread quality

The Durable CRF visualization shows clearly how granule count affects real-world spreading. A product with about 120 granules per gram creates a near pixel-like coverage, while one with only thirty leaves gaps and clusters.

This difference in physical spread leads to noticeable differences in plant response, not because the formulation changes, but because the distribution does.

Why Mivena focuses on high granule density

In Horti-Cote Plus and Durable CRF, Mivena intentionally uses compact, high-density granules. Each particle is fully coated and engineered for controlled nutrient release. By increasing the number of granules per gram, feeding becomes more stable, more predictable and ultimately more efficient.

Conclusion: Does size matter?

Yes, size matters, especially when it comes to performance.

CRF performance is not driven by chemistry alone. It also depends on a physical reality that is often overlooked: how evenly the nutrition is distributed. The difference between sixteen and forty-one granules per gram is the difference between average uniformity and true professional precision.

Granule count determines spread quality. Spread quality determines growth quality. And that makes granule size and granule density one of the most underestimated performance factors in controlled-release fertilizers.

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