NPK 12-12-17 — Balanced N-P with Potassium Emphasis for Perennial Crops

Product overview

NPK 12-12-17 is a granular compound fertilizer that keeps nitrogen and phosphorus in a balanced 1:1 ratio while shifting potassium to 17% K₂O — five points above the standard 12-12-12 grade. At 41% total nutrients the formula bridges the gap between entry-level balanced NPK and high-analysis K-forward compounds, making it a workhorse for perennial horticulture where potassium removal through harvest outpaces N and P uptake.

Stone fruit orchards, table grape vineyards, blueberry fields and strawberry tunnels are the primary export destinations. Potassium drives Brix development, skin colour and cold-storage tolerance; the equal N and P fractions maintain canopy vigour and root carbohydrate reserves through dormancy and post-harvest recovery. Importers in Turkey, Egypt, India and East Africa use 12-12-17 as a single-application base dressing that reduces the need for separate MOP top-dress in moderate-K soils.

Production originates from NPK granulation lines at Black Sea and Central Asian complexes. Granules are hard, dust-free and sized 2–4 mm for mechanical spreading and bulk-blending compatibility. Chloride content is controlled through the potassium source selection, supporting use on chloride-sensitive rootstocks when soil salinity is a concern.

Loading ports & logistics

NPK 12-12-17 ships as bulk granular cargo or bagged parcels from established fertilizer terminals on the Black Sea and Arabian Gulf coast.

FOB bulk loading from Novorossiysk, Taman and Baltic Sea ports. Standard vessel parcels: 3,000–12,000 MT on handysize and handymax bulk carriers. Bagged export in 50 kg PP woven bags, palletised — 1,000 MT minimum per contract, typically 2,000–5,000 MT per vessel slot.

CFR/CIF to Mediterranean (Alexandria, Mersin, Casablanca), South Asia (Nhava Sheva, Chittagong) and East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam). Vessel classes from 3,000 MT coaster to 25,000 MT panamax depending on discharge port draft and stevedoring capacity.

Typical lead time 10–20 days from contract confirmation to loading window, subject to granulation line schedule and berth allocation at peak export season (March–June, September–November).

Packaging & documentation

Bulk: free-flowing granular loaded directly into vessel holds with trimming to stowage plan. Bagged: 50 kg PE-lined PP woven bags, palletised (40 bags per pallet) and stretch-wrapped; optional 1,000 kg FIBC for inland distribution hubs.

Each shipment includes mill certificate of analysis (COA), commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Phytosanitary certificate and fumigation record provided where destination agriculture authorities require them. Third-party inspection at loading (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna) can be arranged for LC-backed or first-time buyer contracts.

Application programmes

Stone fruit orchards apply 150–200 kg/ha in early spring before bud break, followed by 100–150 kg/ha post-harvest to replenish K reserves. Table grape vineyards split 200–250 kg/ha between pre-flowering and veraison stages. Blueberry and raspberry plantings use 100–150 kg/ha at dormancy break and a lighter 50–75 kg/ha dose after final pick. Strawberry tunnels receive 100–150 kg/ha before planting and 50–100 kg/ha after renovation to support runner development and fruit firmness.

FAQ

Related products

• NPK 12-12-12 — entry-level balanced grade at 36% nutrients for broadacre and smallholder programmes
• NPK 14-14-23 — higher-analysis K-forward compound for banana, citrus and processing tomato
• NPK 15-15-15 — versatile mid-tier balanced grade for mixed cropping systems