SIAM: OCP Shows How Phosphorus is Central to Food Security, Animal Production

Rabat – Morocco’s fertilizer giant, OCP Group, is present at the 18th International Agriculture Fair (SIAM), showcasing its key contributions to the country’s agricultural value chain and sustainability.

The event’s theme is dedicated to animal production, and OCP is showcasing both its social mission and its production journey from mine to livestock. In particular, the company detailed how the phosphorus molecule connects all the segments of the agricultural value chain, from mine to livestock through soils, science, plants, animal feed, and territorial impacts.

For the group, this is built on the idea that animal production cannot be considered separately from the rest of the agricultural system, as animal feed quality depends on forage quality. On the other hand, forage quality depends on crop quality, while the latter depends on soil fertility and precision in nutrient application.

An essential nutrient for soil fertility and growth

OCP explains that all of the above are connected, as precision also depends on scientific data, innovation, and industrial capacities that transform phosphorus into tailored solutions.

“Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for soil fertility and plant growth. It plays a decisive role in root development, crop establishment, and the long-term productivity of agricultural systems,” the group said.

Availability is not the only key aspect in the agricultural chain, but it is the quality and efficiency of these key ingredients that matter the most.

A solution-based model is necessary to avoid challenges stemming from standardized approaches, including applying several nutrients.

According to the company’s statement, while the initial approach contributed to the rise of modern agriculture, it is also limited as it caused efficiency losses, waste of inputs, soil nutrient imbalances, and growing environmental pressure.

OCP Group is now making a major strategic shift, which moves from a volume-based model to a solution-based model, considering differences and challenges.

“This new paradigm is founded on a simple idea: soil and crop needs are neither uniform nor constant. They vary according to climate, oil conditions, practices, crop types, and stages of plant growth, the Group explained.

OCP’s 4R strategy

It also detailed its 4R principles adopted in terms of customization for fertilizer, explaining: “Customization consists of formulating tailor-made fertilizers adapted to local agronomic characteristics.”

The group has been contributing not only to Morocco’s agricultural chain but also on a continental level, offering customized fertilizers to farms across Africa and beyond.

The 4R principles refer to its strategy in providing the right nutrient source, applying the correct dose, delivering nutrients at the right stage, and applying nutrients in the right location to improve focus, reduce losses, and limit input intensity to strengthen agricultural performance.

The group explained how plants need phosphorus early and nitrogen later. 

Phosphorus is simply crucial early during rooting and crop establishment, while nitrogen is necessary during vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting.

However, applying both nutrients simultaneously and uniformly could cause major inefficiencies.

According to the company, “this is the logic behind OCP Nutricrops,” one of its fertilizer production subsidiaries.

Beyond plants, OCP Group also assists farmers and contributes to animal feed in complementary ways, including through the fertilization of forage crops.

“Animal feed quality depends on forage quality, which depends on soil fertility and high-quality fertilization,” the group said, explaining how phosphorus contributes to livestock systems starting from the soil.

As for their direct contribution, this comes through animal nutrition solutions.

OCP Group develops specialized livestock nutrition offerings through its specialty products & solutions, also known as SPS, another subsidiary of the group.

“The Phosfeed range consists of feed phosphates designed to meet livestock nutritional needs, supporting animal health, growth, and farm performance,” it concluded.

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