Food, Feed & Agriculture Process Inputs
Agriculture, horticulture and animal feed use mineral salts, phosphates, nitrates and sulfates as nutrients, feed supplements and processing aids. This hub covers technical, fertiliser and feed grades. Where the application is a food, you need a food-grade specification that meets the relevant additive purity criteria, and a technical grade is not a substitute.
What the application needs. Fertigation, hydroponics and foliar feeding rely on fully water-soluble salts that deliver nutrients in a known ratio. Potassium nitrate supplies nitrogen and potassium, calcium nitrate supplies nitrate nitrogen with soluble calcium, magnesium nitrate and magnesium sulfate supply magnesium, monopotassium phosphate (MKP) supplies phosphorus and potassium with a low salt index, and soluble monoammonium phosphate (MAP) supplies phosphorus with ammonium nitrogen. Ammonium sulfate supplies nitrogen and sulfur and is widely used in blends. Zinc, manganese, iron and copper sulfates correct micronutrient deficiencies. In animal nutrition, dicalcium phosphate is a principal feed phosphate, lysine is an essential amino acid supplement, calcium propionate is used as a mould inhibitor, and sodium bicarbonate acts as a rumen buffer. Perlite is expanded for use in growing media.
Key specification parameters. Fertiliser salts are specified by nutrient content, usually expressed as N, P2O5, K2O, MgO, Ca or S, together with water-insoluble matter, chloride, sodium and free acidity or pH. For drip and hydroponic systems, insolubles and dissolution speed matter as much as nutrient content, because residues block emitters. Micronutrient sulfates are specified by metal content and hydration state, since a monohydrate carries considerably more metal per kilogram than a heptahydrate or pentahydrate. Feed phosphates are specified by phosphorus and calcium content and by fluorine and heavy-metal limits. Feed additives such as amino acids and preservatives are regulated in the EU and GB, so ask for the grade's feed documentation, including contaminant limits and, where applicable, its authorisation reference.
Recommended product types. A typical two-tank fertigation system keeps calcium nitrate in one stock tank and the phosphates and sulfates in the other, because concentrated calcium precipitates with phosphate and sulfate. Potassium nitrate, MKP and magnesium sulfate cover most macronutrient programmes, with zinc, manganese and iron sulfates added as required. Feed compounders commonly combine dicalcium phosphate, lysine and a propionate-based mould inhibitor, adjusted to the species and ration.
Handling notes. Nitrates are oxidising agents: store them away from fuels, organic matter and reducing agents, and off oil-contaminated pallets and floors. Some nitrates are regulated explosives precursors, and high-nitrogen ammonium nitrate fertilisers are subject to specific security and storage rules, so expect end-use and customer checks when you order them. Copper sulfate and several other micronutrient salts are harmful to aquatic life, and bags must be kept out of drains and watercourses. Most of these salts are hygroscopic and cake in humid storage, so keep bags sealed, palletised and under cover. Request the specification, safety data sheet and a sample so you can test solubility and compatibility in your own water.
Products for Food, Feed & Agriculture Process Inputs
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid (CAS 7664-38-2) is the parent compound of every phosphate salt in the catalogue. A triprotic acid supplied at 75 to 85 percent, it is used directly for metal phosphating, descaling and as a rust converter.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium phosphate, TSP (CAS 7601-54-9), is the fully neutralised sodium phosphate and the most alkaline of the series, dissolving to around pH 12. It is a powerful degreaser and the traditional pre-paint surface cleaner.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
Sodium hexametaphosphate, SHMP (CAS 10124-56-8), is a glassy polyphosphate that sequesters calcium and magnesium extremely strongly. It is the standard threshold scale inhibitor in cooling water and the deflocculant in ceramic slips.
Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate (DKP)
Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, DKP (CAS 7758-11-4), is the alkaline potassium phosphate. In industry it supplies both potassium and phosphorus in a single soluble salt, which suits fertigation and fermentation media.
Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (MKP)
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, MKP (CAS 7778-77-0), is the 0-52-34 soluble fertiliser, supplying phosphorus and potassium with no nitrogen at all. That makes it the standard choice for flowering and fruiting stages.
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate (DSP)
Disodium hydrogen phosphate, DSP (CAS 7558-79-4), is the middle sodium phosphate, alkaline at around pH 9. In industry it is a buffer, a detergent builder and a boiler water treatment that prevents hard scale.
Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate (MSP)
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, MSP (CAS 7558-80-7), is the acidic sodium phosphate, dissolving to around pH 4.5. It is the acid half of the phosphate buffer pair and a mild acidulant for industrial processes.
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP)
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, TSPP (CAS 7722-88-5), is the simplest condensed phosphate, formed by joining two phosphate units. Alkaline and strongly dispersing, it is used as a detergent builder and a drilling mud thinner.
Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP)
Monoammonium phosphate, MAP (CAS 7722-76-1), is the 11-52-0 fertiliser grade with the highest phosphorus content of the common straight phosphates. It is also the active powder in ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers.
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)
Diammonium phosphate, DAP (CAS 7783-28-0), is the 18-46-0 fertiliser and the most traded phosphate fertiliser in the world. Unlike MAP it dissolves to an alkaline solution, which matters on high-pH soils.
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)
Dicalcium phosphate, DCP (CAS 7757-93-9), is a white insoluble powder supplying calcium and phosphorus in roughly the ratio bone uses them. Its largest market is animal feed, where it is the standard mineral supplement.
Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP)
Tricalcium phosphate, TCP (CAS 7758-87-4), is a very fine insoluble powder with a high specific surface area. That surface area is what makes it one of the most effective anticaking agents available for hygroscopic powders.
Manganese Sulfate
Manganese sulfate (CAS 7785-87-7) supplies manganese, an essential micronutrient required in the photosynthetic complex that splits water. Deficiency shows as interveinal chlorosis on young leaves, unlike magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt as the heptahydrate (CAS 10034-99-8), is the cheapest soluble magnesium source. Grade is selected by hydration state, since the heptahydrate and the monohydrate differ substantially in magnesium content.
Zinc Sulfate
Zinc sulfate (CAS 7733-02-0) supplies zinc, the micronutrient most often deficient in cereals worldwide. Zinc availability collapses on alkaline and high-phosphate soils, which is where correction is usually needed.
Ammonium Sulfate
Ammonium sulfate (CAS 7783-20-2) is a 21-0-0 fertiliser that supplies sulphur alongside nitrogen. Its acidifying reaction in soil is a genuine agronomic tool on alkaline ground and a drawback on already acid soils.
Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CAS 7758-99-8) is the bright blue crystalline copper salt. It is an algaecide, a fungicide and the copper source in Bordeaux mixture, and it is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous
Sodium sulfate anhydrous (CAS 7757-82-6) is a chemically inert, non-hygroscopic white powder. It is used in enormous volume as a detergent filler and, in textile dyeing, to drive dye onto the fibre rather than leave it in the bath.
Sodium Bisulfate
Sodium bisulfate (CAS 7681-38-1) is a dry acid: a solid salt that dissolves to give a strongly acidic solution near pH 1. It replaces liquid mineral acid wherever handling concentrated acid is the thing to avoid.
Alum
Alum, aluminium sulfate (CAS 10043-01-3), is the classic coagulant of municipal water treatment. Dosed into raw water it hydrolyses to aluminium hydroxide floc, which sweeps suspended solids and colour out of suspension.
Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous sulfate (CAS 7720-78-7) is iron in the reduced divalent state, which is what makes it useful. It reduces hexavalent chromium in cement to the harmless trivalent form, preventing chromate contact dermatitis in workers.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite (CAS 7681-57-4) is the solid, more stable and more concentrated form of the bisulfite chemistry. It is preferred where a dry material is easier to ship and store than a bulk sulfite solution.
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium thiosulfate (CAS 7772-98-7) is the classic photographic fixer, hypo, and a fast dechlorinating agent. It also reacts with cyanide to form far less toxic thiocyanate, which is the basis of its medical use as an antidote.
Sodium Sulfite Anhydrous
Sodium sulfite anhydrous (CAS 7757-83-7) is the neutral-to-alkaline member of the sulfite family. It scavenges oxygen without driving pH down, which is why it is the boiler feedwater choice where acidity would corrode.
Sodium Bisulfite
Sodium bisulfite (CAS 7631-90-5) is a reducing agent and oxygen scavenger, supplied as a solution or solid. Its largest single use is dechlorinating water ahead of reverse osmosis membranes, which chlorine destroys.
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate (CAS 7757-79-1), traditionally saltpetre, is a 13-0-46 fertiliser carrying potassium with no chloride. That matters for chloride-sensitive crops such as tobacco, grapes, potatoes and most fruit.
Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium nitrate (CAS 6484-52-2) is a 34-0-0 nitrogen fertiliser supplying nitrate and ammonium nitrogen together. It is a strong oxidiser and a security-controlled substance in most jurisdictions, so supply is regulated.
Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrate (CAS 7631-99-4), historically Chile saltpetre, was the world's original nitrogen fertiliser before synthetic ammonia. It remains in use as a fast-acting nitrate source and as a component of molten heat-transfer salts.
Calcium Nitrate
Calcium nitrate (CAS 10124-37-5) is the only common fertiliser supplying calcium in fully water-soluble form. It is the standard remedy for blossom end rot and tip burn, which are calcium-transport rather than calcium-supply failures.
Magnesium Nitrate
Magnesium nitrate (CAS 10377-60-3) supplies magnesium in fully soluble nitrate form. Magnesium sits at the centre of the chlorophyll molecule, so a deficiency shows directly as interveinal yellowing on older leaves.
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrite (CAS 7632-00-0) is the nitrite rather than nitrate salt, and the difference is chemically large. It is a reducing and diazotising agent, a potent corrosion inhibitor, and acutely toxic at low doses.
Calcium Magnesium Nitrate
Calcium magnesium nitrate supplies calcium, magnesium and nitrate nitrogen in one soluble salt. Combining the two cations avoids the antagonism that occurs when calcium and magnesium are applied from separate sources.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid (CAS 144-62-7) is the strongest common organic acid and a powerful reducing agent. It removes iron stains by chelating iron into a soluble complex, which is why it bleaches wood and cleans rust marks.
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
Sodium carbonate (CAS 497-19-8), soda ash, is consumed in greater tonnage by glass manufacture than by every other use combined. It lowers the melting point of silica from about 1,700 to nearer 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Ammonium Bicarbonate
Ammonium bicarbonate (CAS 1066-33-7) decomposes completely to gas at modest temperature, leaving no solid residue at all. That makes it a chemical blowing agent for foamed rubber, plastics and ceramics.
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (CAS 151-21-3) is the standard laboratory anionic detergent as well as an industrial surfactant. In SDS-PAGE it denatures proteins and coats them with uniform negative charge so they separate purely by size.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate (CAS 144-55-8) is used industrially as a dry sorbent and a mild abrasive. Injected into hot flue gas it decomposes into a highly porous soda that captures sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride.
Sodium Metasilicate
Sodium metasilicate is a strongly alkaline silicate that protects aluminium while cleaning it. The silicate deposits a thin film on the metal surface, which is why alkaline aluminium cleaners contain it and plain caustic cannot be used.
Sulfamic Acid
Sulfamic acid (CAS 5329-14-6) is a solid, non-volatile strong acid used for descaling. Unlike hydrochloric acid it contains no chloride, so it can be used on stainless steel without risking chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate (CAS 68-04-2) is the neutral salt of citric acid, used industrially as a sequestrant and buffer where free acid would attack the substrate. It chelates without dropping pH.
Citric Acid
Citric acid (CAS 77-92-9) is used industrially as a chelating agent rather than as an acidulant. It binds calcium, iron and copper into soluble complexes, which is the basis of its use in descaling and metal passivation.
Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate (CAS 127-09-3) is the salt behind reusable heat pads. A supersaturated solution stays liquid far below its freezing point, then crystallises on a trigger and releases the stored heat.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1) is a vapour-phase and contact corrosion inhibitor for ferrous metals. In engine coolants and hydraulic fluids it passivates steel surfaces at low dose without the toxicity of chromate inhibitors.
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid (CAS 65-85-0) is used industrially as a chemical intermediate and corrosion inhibitor rather than as a preservative. It is the feedstock for phenol, caprolactam and benzoate plasticisers.
Potassium Benzoate
Potassium benzoate (CAS 582-25-2) delivers the same benzoate chemistry as the sodium salt without contributing sodium. It is specified where sodium would raise conductivity or interfere with the system being protected.
Potassium Carbonate
Potassium carbonate (CAS 584-08-7), potash, is the reagent behind the hot potassium carbonate process for removing carbon dioxide from industrial gas streams at high pressure and temperature.
Sodium Propionate
Sodium propionate (CAS 137-40-6) is the more soluble propionate salt, which suits liquid dosing and spray application. It is used where a calcium contribution would be unwanted or would disturb a formulation.
Ammonium Propionate
Ammonium propionate (CAS 17496-08-1) is supplied as a solution rather than a powder because it is deliquescent. It preserves high-moisture grain while contributing non-protein nitrogen that rumen microbes can use.
Calcium Acetate
Calcium acetate (CAS 62-54-4) is used industrially as a chloride-free concrete set accelerator, a phosphate binder, and the agent that gels alcohol into the solid fuel burned in chafing dish heaters.
Calcium Propionate
Calcium propionate (CAS 4075-81-4) is used industrially as a mould inhibitor in animal feed and stored grain. It also acts as a mild set retarder and corrosion inhibitor in concrete formulations.
Potassium Acetate
Potassium acetate (CAS 127-08-2) is the standard runway and aircraft de-icer. Unlike chloride de-icers it does not corrode aluminium airframes or attack the carbon brake assemblies that chlorides destroy.
Zinc Acetate
Zinc acetate (CAS 557-34-6) is a soluble zinc salt used as a crosslinker, mordant and wood preservative. Its solubility in both water and organic solvents sets it apart from the oxide and carbonate.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Sodium dehydroacetate (CAS 4418-26-2, INCI Sodium Dehydroacetate) is a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative that stays active at near-neutral pH, where benzoate and sorbate have largely stopped working.
Lysine
Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in pig and poultry diets built on cereals. Supplementing it lets a formulator cut total crude protein, which reduces feed cost and nitrogen excretion at the same time.
Perlite Ore Sand
Perlite ore is a volcanic glass containing bound water. Heated rapidly past 850 degrees Celsius that water flashes to steam and expands the softened glass up to twenty times, producing a lightweight cellular particle.
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