Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Feds invest in fertilizer production

Feds invest in fertilizer production

KSM has developed a method to make fertilizer more efficiently

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The federal government is helping a Quebec company produce fertilizer efficiently.

Yesterday, KSM Fertilizers received almost $1 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to further its work on using mining residue to produce fertilizer. The technology will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“By 2025, farmers will need to produce three times more food per acre to meet the world’s growing population,” Leah Lawrence, president and CEO of SDTC, said in a statement yesterday. “KSM has found a way to help with that by producing fertilizer using less energy and at a lower cost.”

The process helps the company produce potassium and magnesium sulfate, said David Lemieux, president of KSM.

“We take potash and we make a reaction with sulfuric acid to make potassium sulfate,” he told Farms.com. “We also use ore from mines to access magnesium units. We use the remaining acid to extract the magnesium as magnesium sulfate which is further combined into the potassium sulfate.

“At the end of the process, we have SOP and SOPM. The products aren’t new, but we’re manufacturing them in a way that’s much more energy efficient. Our approach is a more cost-effective way to produce existing fertilizers.”

The $1-million contribution from the government is part of $2 million in total company financing to help KSM build and operate a demonstration plant in Thetford Mines, Que.

“We hope to kick off the project in the first quarter of 2019 and we’re looking at a one-year period to run demonstrations of our process,” Lemieux said.


Trending Video

Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Video: Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Are you clueless about where to get your water tested, how to perform the tests, or interpret the results? Don't sweat it! I'm here to simplify water filtration for you.

In this step-by-step guide, I will take you through the entire process of testing well water quality. From choosing the right test kit, identifying common mistakes during the sampling process, to analyzing the results, I've got you covered.

I'll be demonstrating the process using a test kit from https://mytapscore.com/. They offer a range of comprehensive tests and easy-to-follow instructions, making water testing a breeze!

You'll see me sample water right from my home, as I share tips and insights on how to get the most accurate results. Plus, I'll answer FAQs about water testing and talk about what a complete well water filtration system should consist of.

By the end of this video, you'll not only have a better understanding of water quality and the threats that could be lurking in your tap, but you'll also know how to tackle them.

Once you have your results, send them to us at info@waterestore.com with your water concerns, and we'll provide personalized recommendations for fixing your water.