In 2023, the ceramic "Nitrato de Chile" advertising panels seen in towns across regions such as Extremadura were officially declared Cultural Heritage for their "undeniable historical, artistic, and heritage value." Beyond being a striking example of 1930s Art Deco, they are also a reminder of a time when Chile's nitrate industry shaped both the economy and agriculture in Europe. The exploitation of rich sodium nitrate deposits, discovered in the 19th century in the Atacama Desert, positioned Chile as the world's leading exporter of this natural fertilizer.
© SQM"SQM is the inheritor of the Nitrato de Chile story. Our company was born and grew around the extraction and commercialization of natural sodium nitrate, or salitre, a unique resource that positioned Chile as a global leader in plant nutrition since the 19th century. The famous advertising posters of Nitrato de Chile, like the one of the gentleman with the slogan 'Fertilize with Nitrato de Chile,' displayed all over Spain, are part of that legacy," the company says. "These posters not only promoted nitrate as a natural fertilizer but also reflected the close connection between Chile and European agriculture at the time."
Today, SQM Nutrición Vegetal maintains that legacy by combining tradition and innovation to offer high-value nutritional solutions, including potassium nitrate and its derivatives, still a key part of its portfolio.
"We extract sodium nitrate from caliche ore found only in the Atacama Desert, in Chile's Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions. Formed millions of years ago, these deposits are the only known natural sources of sodium nitrate in the world. These deposits have been the historical source of the renowned "Nitrate of Chile". Our production is carried out through sustainable and traceable processes, respecting the geological richness, the desert environment and the communities".
The word caliche comes from the Quechua "cachi," meaning salt, which evolved into "calchi" and finally "caliche." This mineral contains the largest known reserves of nitrate and iodine globally, making it the only commercially exploited source of natural nitrate in the world.
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"From our caliche deposits, we produce a wide range of nitrate-based products used as plant nutrients and in a variety of industrial applications. We also extract iodine and its derivatives, which are essential in many industries. Extracting caliche involves specialized mining operations, as the ore lies beneath a sterile overburden layer ranging from 20 centimeters to 5 meters thick.
Much more than a mining operation
SQM Nutrición Vegetal's presence in northern Chile goes far beyond the mining operation. "SQM actively promotes local development through programs in education, health, employment, entrepreneurship, culture, and environmental sustainability. We work closely with indigenous and rural communities, supporting initiatives that improve their residents' quality of life. Some examples include student scholarships, technical training programs, support for small farmers, and social infrastructure projects. In addition, we promote the preservation of local cultural heritage as part of our commitment to harmonious and sustainable development."
Solutions for greenhouse agriculture
For modern agriculture under controlled environments, SQM Nutrición Vegetal offers customized solutions designed to meet crop-specific needs. "Our approach goes beyond conventional fertilization," the company says. "It's based on science, technology, and agronomic expertise to deliver precise plant nutrition adapted to each soil, crop, and climate."
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Key products for protected agriculture include:
- Ultrasol® K Plus – high-purity potassium nitrate for demanding crops such as tomato, pepper, blueberry, and strawberry.
- Speedfol® – fast-absorbing foliar fertilizers for immediate plant response during critical growth stages or stress conditions.
- Qrop® – soil-applied fertilizers formulated for balanced nutrition from early crop stages.
"These solutions are based on a global agronomic approach with local application. Our specialists work directly with farmers in different countries, analyzing crop type, soil composition, water quality, and climate to deliver the right nutrition at the right time, optimizing yield, quality, and resource efficiency. ."
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"In addition to traditional macronutrients (NPK), our products integrate essential micronutrients and bioactive compounds that improve nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall crop performance. This integrated approach allows growers to achieve higher yields without compromising sustainability, contributing to more productive and responsible agriculture."
© SQMFor more information:
SQM
[email protected]
www.sqmnutrition.com
