In an era where agriculture is rapidly evolving to meet the twin pressures of productivity and sustainability, ICL Brasil has launched a product that is both timely and transformative—Sulfurball, a uniquely engineered sulfur-based fertilizer that redefines how micronutrients are delivered to crops. This new innovation is not just a product; it’s a strategic step toward precision nutrition for the Latin American farmer.

Unveiled in June 2025, Sulfurball is the first spherical-format sulfur fertilizer to be produced and marketed in Latin America. Developed at ICL’s high-tech facility in Jacareí, São Paulo, the product is the result of more than BRL 50 million in R&D and production line investment. It’s a bold testament to how global agri-tech leaders like ICL are investing in region-specific innovations that answer local agronomic challenges—while aligning with global sustainability goals.

The Problem Sulfurball Solves

For decades, sulfur has been an essential but overlooked nutrient. While it plays a vital role in protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and enzymatic processes, many farming systems—especially those in high-rainfall regions—face increasing sulfur deficiencies due to leaching, low organic matter, and inadequate fertilizer formulations. This is especially true in Brazil’s major soybean and corn belts, where unpredictable rain patterns are depleting sulfur from the root zone before crops can absorb it.

Sulfurball is ICL’s science-backed solution to this. It’s engineered not just to supply elemental sulfur, but to deliver it in a more efficient, accessible, and farmer-friendly format.

What Makes Sulfurball Different?

• Spherical Granule Format: Unlike conventional fertilizers, Sulfurball features a perfectly round shape that flows seamlessly through seeding machines and spreaders. This ensures uniform application and eliminates equipment blockages—especially crucial during tight planting windows.
• Gradual Sulfur Release: The formulation is designed for controlled oxidation, allowing sulfur to become available to plants over time, not all at once. This extended availability is critical in sandy or acidic soils where sulfur loss is common.
• Additive-Enhanced Uptake: Specialty additives in Sulfurball improve nutrient conversion and root zone interaction, optimizing absorption even under variable moisture conditions.
• Broad Crop Compatibility: Field trials confirm excellent performance in crops with high sulfur demand—such as soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and even pastures.

Localized Innovation with Global Ambition

ICL has made Jacareí the exclusive production hub for Sulfurball in Latin America, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Brazilian market. While it’s being launched for Brazilian growers, the company has already outlined plans to expand distribution to neighboring countries—signaling Sulfurball’s potential as a global product born from local insight.

According to André Alfonsi, ICL’s Product Manager for Soil Fertilizers, “We’re not just launching a fertilizer; we’re setting a new standard for efficiency in sulfur nutrition. Sulfurball is the result of listening to the challenges farmers face in the field and addressing them with precision engineering.”

Strategic Fit with ICL’s South American Growth Vision

Sulfurball is just one of three major product launches planned by ICL in 2025 as part of its aggressive South American expansion strategy. According to a June 5, 2025 report by Valor Econômico, the company is also exploring new acquisitions, increasing its presence in specialty inputs, and investing in digital agronomy tools. Sulfurball fits seamlessly into this vision—bridging the gap between high-tech formulation and everyday farm practicality.

The broader implication is clear: as markets shift toward regenerative practices and nutrient-use efficiency, agri-businesses must move from volume to value. Sulfurball exemplifies this shift—by turning a micronutrient into a macro-strategic advantage.

What It Means for Farmers

For the farmer, the promise of Sulfurball is immediate and tangible:

• Fewer machine stoppages during application
• More consistent sulfur availability throughout the crop cycle
• Better ROI per kilogram of fertilizer
• Stronger, more resilient crops with improved protein levels and stress tolerance

As climate risks increase and fertilizer input costs rise, farmers are demanding products that offer reliability, performance, and sustainability. Sulfurball delivers on all three fronts.

Conclusion:

With Sulfurball, ICL is not just adding another fertilizer to the catalog—it’s offering a tool that empowers farmers to grow better, smarter, and more sustainably. As the product rolls out across Brazil in July 2025 and expands to Latin America, it represents a broader shift toward high-performance agriculture powered by localized innovation and global expertise.