Magnesita

Location

Magnesium oxide is a 100% natural product, obtained through controlled calcination of the magnesite ore (magnesium carbonate).

Magnesium oxide production is concentrated in the municipal district of Brumado, Southwest of Bahia, 660 km from Salvador. The main deposits of magnesium oxide are located in the Serra das Éguas, area with altitudes higher than 1,000 meters, approximately 18 km in length, 10 km in width, and a total area of 142 km2.

Known by the market name Q-MAG®, the product has a high chemical purity, high MgO concentration and high reactivity.

Product Applications

- Fertilizers

The magnesium is an essential element for development of any crop, directly influencing its productivity. It is one of the macronutrients most demanded in vegetable metabolism and can represent up to 3% of the dry material.

As a central element of the chlorophyll molecule, magnesium is directly linked to energy production, turning all other metabolic functions dependent on its performance.

As important as the knowledge of the main metabolic functions is the knowledge of the need to balance magnesium levels with limestone and potassium levels in the soil.

In spite of recent studies showing that for some crops, good tolerance and imbalances in the ratios of Ca, Mg and K (since all are available in adequate contents), a balanced ratio of Ca: Mg is important for the production, in the roots, of organic acids directly involved in the aluminum complexity formation and in the toxicity reduction of this element. Limestone rarely has an ideal ratio between Ca and Mg, what means that new soil liming often aggravates the imbalance.

- When to use

It is indicated when there is a magnesium need in the soil. Furthermore, as it presents mobility that is much higher than limestone in the soil profile, the application of the product is recommended for restitution of magnesium in direct planting systems, associated or not to agricultural gypsum or other products that contribute with calcium, sulfur and other elements.

When applied in economical dosages, enough for restitution of magnesium removed by the crops, its effect on the pH is minimal, what avoids undesirable effects such as the unavailability of other nutrients and clay dispersion (alteration of its soil structure, with clay displacement in superficial layers (very common after excessive limestone dosages).

In all cases, the Q-MAG® line is shown to be the ideal alternative, as it presents the highest magnesium content in its composition (94% of MgO), high purity (guaranteed by rigorous quality control), high reactivity and great residuality in the soil.

- How to use

The Q-MAG® line can be used in planting by means of application in the entire area, in the furrows or mixed with soil when filling in holes.

It can be used separately or mixed with other products such as agricultural gypsum and calcareous limestone, carrying separately Mg for the composition of mixtures that meet local needs.

Due to its high concentration – 95% of MgO – and reactivity, the recommended average dosages are greatly reduced (40 to 200kg *). This turns product application extremely economical, generating an unbeatable cost/result ratio.

* Always consult an agronomist for the recommendation of the appropriate dosage.

Abrasives

Market leader in magnesium oxide sales in the magnesian abrasive segment, Magnesita has the Q-MAG® line in its product portfolio. These are oxides specifically developed for this application. Granulometry, reactivity and apparent density are the key factors for obtaining the differentiated final product, which can only be obtained through a homogeneous calcination process.

Animal nutrition

Q-MAG 65FR is largely used as a mineral nutrient for magnesium balancing, to rear the following:

• Dairy Cattle;
• Beef Cattle;
• Poultry;
• Swine.

Magnesium is an essential element in animal nutrition. It facilitates cellulose digestion and the metabolism of carbohydrates, promotes circulation of phosphorous and proteins, favors enzymatic reactions and improves appetite. It is also associated with the formation of stronger bones, with cardiovascular health and the appropriate function of nerve cells.

Magnesium avoids hypomagnesemia (appetite reduction), or tetany in the pastures where the availability of magnesium is reduced due to fertilization conditions. It promotes the increase of the fat content in milk, the increase in production and thickness of egg shells. This last item is associated to an increase in calcium excretion.

Chemical industry

The Magnesita Q-MAG® line has a wide diversity of magnesium oxides with diverse purity and reactivity contents.