New fertilizer blending plant brings custom solutions to German growers

GERMANY – Farmers in northern Germany can now access fertilizer blends tailored to their exact crop and soil needs thanks to a new plant launched by ICL and Landhandel Peters in Winsen/Luhe.

The facility allows on-site mixing of controlled-release fertilizers, offering growers more flexibility and quicker service.

The blending plant enables Landhandel Peters to produce fertilizer mixtures on demand, eliminating long waiting times for farmers. Growers of asparagus, potatoes, maize, vegetables, and soft fruit can now order blends suited to their specific requirements.

At the center of the facility’s operation is Agromaster, ICL’s coated fertilizer designed to release nutrients steadily over time. Unlike traditional fertilizers that deliver nutrients all at once, Agromaster matches the plant’s uptake cycle.

This means farmers need fewer applications while still meeting nutritional needs throughout the growing season.

The slow-release technology also reduces nutrient losses through leaching and evaporation, which supports efficient use of nitrogen and helps protect the environment.

Depending on crop demands, the blends contain between 35 and 60 percent coated nitrogen. This steady release helps crops grow consistently even under unpredictable weather.

“Farmers today expect fast delivery, individual nutrition specifications, and strong product performance,” said Stephanie Preller, marketing specialist at ICL Growing Solutions. “The blending plant provides all three and supports sustainable agriculture in northern Germany.”

Supporting productivity and sustainability

By improving nitrogen efficiency, Agromaster allows growers to achieve equal or even higher yields using fewer inputs. In lighter soils, it also helps reduce potassium losses and prevents phosphorus fixation, which are common challenges in the region.

ICL, a global specialty minerals company, has emphasized that the Winsen/Luhe plant represents part of its wider goal to support food production while reducing environmental impact. The company employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and reported revenues of about 7.5 billion dollars in 2023.

The opening in Germany comes as Ghana also advances fertilizer production. On August 14, 2025, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, inaugurated a fertilizer blending plant in the Greater Accra Region.

The 3.5 million dollar project, led by Invess Agriculture Ltd in partnership with Nitron Group, has an annual capacity of 385,000 tonnes. Ofosu-Adjare said: “This investment strengthens our national food security and reduces the financial burden that comes with large import bills.”

Invess Agriculture has also announced plans to set up a liquid fertilizer plant with a five million litre capacity to serve the wider ECOWAS market, positioning Ghana as a production hub in West Africa.

Both openings highlight a shared focus across continents: bringing fertilizer production closer to farmers to cut costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen food systems.

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