WHAT IS IT?
NPK fertilizers contain all three primary macronutrients — Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) — in a single granule or blend. They are formulated for specific crops and soil conditions. The grade is expressed as N-P₂O₅-K₂O percentages (e.g. 15-15-15 or 16-16-16).
TYPES
Compound NPK (true compound): All nutrients in every granule. Manufactured in a granulation plant. More uniform distribution in field.
Blended NPK: Physical mixture of urea + DAP/MAP + MOP granules. Less expensive to produce, some nutrient segregation risk.
COMMON GRADES
15-15-15: Balanced, general-purpose. Widely used across crops.
16-16-16: Higher analysis balanced grade. More efficient per tonne.
20-10-10: High nitrogen for leafy vegetables, sugarcane.
12-32-16: High phosphorus for root crops and planting.
Custom grades for specific crops: tea, coffee, rice, maize.
WHY USE NPK OVER STRAIGHT FERTILIZERS?
One application delivers all three key nutrients
Saves labour and application cost
Reduces risk of incomplete fertilization
Easier for smallholder farmers
KEY USES
Rice, maize, wheat, sugarcane
Vegetables and fruits
Plantation crops (tea, coffee, palm oil, rubber)
Top dressing and basal application
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: China (dominant), Russia, Norway (Yara), Germany (BASF/SKW)
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, East Africa, India, Brazil
Tetra relevance: East Africa corridor — Kenya, Tanzania major consumers for food crop production.
PRICING BASIS
Derived from component prices: urea + DAP + MOP + blending margin. No standalone futures market. Regional spot: CFR East Africa, CFR SEA.
SPECIFICATIONS (15-15-15)
Total N: 15% min
P₂O₅: 15% min
K₂O: 15% min
Moisture: max 2%
Granule size: 2–5mm (90% min)
Free-flowing, no caking