What is PDM potash fertilizer?
PDM stands for Potash Derived from Molasses. When sugar mills distil molasses, the leftover liquid is rich in potassium. That potassium is recovered, dried and granulated into PDM. Because it starts from a plant material, PDM also carries some organic matter and small amounts of other nutrients along with the potash.
CNF PDM is sold as a cheaper alternative to muriate of potash (MOP) for farmers who want potash without chloride.
Potash fertilizer for flowering and fruiting
Potassium does not build the plant the way nitrogen does. It runs the plant: it moves sugars from the leaves into flowers, fruit and grain, and it controls how much water the leaf loses through its pores. When potash is short at flowering, you see it as poor fruit set, small or uneven fruit, weak stems and crops that wilt early on hot afternoons.
That is why potash demand peaks from flowering through fruit fill. A split application works well: part as a basal dose and part as a top dressing just before flowering.
PDM or MOP: how to compare
| CNF PDM 14.5% | MOP (muriate of potash) | |
|---|---|---|
| Potash (K2O) | 14.5% minimum | About 60% |
| K2O in a 50 kg bag | 7.25 kg | About 30 kg |
| Chloride | Chloride-free | Contains chloride |
| Source | Sugar industry molasses | Mined, mostly imported |
| Organic matter | Yes | No |
About four bags of PDM give the same potash as one bag of MOP. The fair way to compare price is cost per kg of potash: divide the PDM bag rate by 7.25 and the MOP bag rate by 30. PDM also brings organic matter and has no chloride, which matters for the crops listed below.
Which is the best potash fertilizer for crops?
It depends on the crop and the soil. For crops that react badly to chloride, such as tobacco, grapes, potato and many fruits and vegetables, a chloride-free source like PDM or sulphate of potash (SOP) is the safer choice. On saline soils or with salty irrigation water, avoiding extra chloride also helps. For drip and foliar feeding, use a water-soluble grade such as potassium nitrate or SOP 0:0:50. Tell us your crop and we will suggest one.
Dose and application
The label dose is 300 to 400 kg per hectare, about 120 to 160 kg per acre. Apply as a basal dose mixed into the soil, or split it between basal and a top dressing before flowering. In sugarcane, the second split usually goes in at earthing up.
Potash fertilizer price in India
Potash prices in India move with import costs for MOP, so the PDM rate changes too. We quote the current price per 50 kg bag on request, based on your district and quantity. Use Ask for today's rate and you will hear back within 24 hours.
Potash fertilizer dealers in India
CNF PDM reaches farmers through dealers and distributors across Karnataka and nearby states. To find stock near you, send your pin code on WhatsApp. Dealers who want to add PDM to their shelf can apply on our dealership page.
Questions about PDM 14.5%
What is PDM fertilizer?
PDM is Potash Derived from Molasses. It is a potash fertilizer recovered from sugar industry molasses, with 14.5% water-soluble K2O.
Is PDM better than MOP?
PDM has less potash per bag (14.5% against about 60% in MOP) but no chloride, and it adds organic matter. It suits chloride-sensitive crops. Compare the two on cost per kg of K2O, not cost per bag.
When should potash be applied for flowering?
Split it. Give part as a basal dose and the rest as a top dressing just before flowering, when the crop's demand for potassium is highest.
What is the potash fertilizer price in India?
Rates change with MOP import costs and your location. Ask us for today's rate per 50 kg bag and we reply within 24 hours.
How many bags of PDM per acre?
The label dose is 300 to 400 kg per hectare, which is about two and a half to three 50 kg bags per acre.
