The History of China’s Kieserite Fertilizer Industry

Before delving the history of China’s Kieserite magnesium fertilizer industry, let me first explain the origin of the term “Kieserite.”

The Origin of “Kieserite”

Kieseite is a hydrated sulfate mineral with the chemical formula MgSO₄•H₂O. It was named in honor of German physician Dietrich Georg von Kieser (1779–1862). The mineral was discovered by German chemist Eduard Reichhardt (1827–1891) at the Stassfort salt mine in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. When first described in 1861, the mineral was named Kieserite. Interestingly, American chemist Paul Powell Keat (b. 1929) had already synthesized this mineral artificially before its natural discovery.

Saxony-Anhalt, Germany—the site of kieserite’s discovery—possesses abundant mineral resources, particularly potash and rock salt. The extraction of these mineral salts has made significant contributions to Germany and earned it international renown. This is why the mineral salt giant K+S Group originated in Germany.

The Development History of Kieserite and Magnesium Sulfate Fertilizer in China

The development of mineral salts relies heavily on natural mineral resources. Fortunately, Liaoning Province China, also possesses a mineral belt rich in magnesite deposits. Over 130 years after the discovery of Kieserite, by the 1990s, China’s magnesite processing industry in Liaoning had matured significantly. Particularly in the Dashiqiao area of Yingkou, Liaoning—where magnesite deposits are exceptionally abundant—enterprises producing magnesia, magnesite ingots, magnesia bricks, and refractory materials proliferated. However, intense industry competition severely impacted corporate profitability.

This situation in Liaoning’s magnesium mining hinterland serves as a microcosm of the broader Chinese magnesium processing industry’s urgent need for new development pathways. Moreover, the growing modern agricultural sector is increasingly shifting toward highly efficient, intensive production. Large-scale farms require substantial amounts of medium-element fertilizers like magnesium fertilizers to supplement crops such as oil palms, bananas, and cocoa in Southeast Asia, as well as tobacco and cocoa cultivation. and tobacco and cocoa cultivation. Pioneering Chinese sulfur-magnesium fertilizer specialists seized these market opportunities, assembling technical teams to drive innovation in the magnesite chemical industry. Starting from pilot-scale trials, they expanded to multiple production lines and R&D/manufacturing bases. Amidst China’s surging magnesium chemical industry, Rongqing Chemical continually adapts to evolving market demands. The booming cultivation of high-value fruits in modern agriculture has created significant market demand for premium water-soluble magnesium fertilizers. Rongqing Chemical has progressively expanded its production and R&D portfolio to include diverse Magnesium Fertilizers, Kieserite Powder, Kieserite granules, crystalline Magnesium Sulfate, and Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate.

China Kieserite Fertilizer Industry Achieves Stable Production and Moves Toward Customization

Leading Chinese Kieserite and sulfur-magnesium fertilizer producers, such as Rongqing Chemical, primarily manufacture granular controlled-release kieserite fertilizers (non-fully water-soluble) and magnesium sulfate (fully water-soluble). Concurrently, they offer customized granular fertilizers tailored to specific regions, crops, and growth cycles. Granule composition, concentration, color, particle size, and coating can all be customized to order. This customized granular fertilizer service not only better meets the needs of domestic and international fertilizer distributors, plantations, and agricultural associations sourcing trace elements in China but also provides end-users with enhanced technical support. Leveraging its mature Magnesium Sulfate fertilizer industry, Rongqing Chemical has steadily penetrated the international market with its expertise, earning acclaim from global peers.