OREANDA-NEWS. April 03, 2015. The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") provide an update on the latest results from its ongoing global crop study programme.

This update provides results from the recently completed potato studies at three separate universities, the Scottish Agricultural College ("SAC"), the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin.

The world potato market is estimated at 365 million tonnes in 2012 and grown on 19.3 million hectares.  Because potatoes are sensitive to harmful chlorides, they are an ideal crop for polyhalite which is essentially chloride-free.  Potatoes also have a large need for sulphur, one of the main nutrients in polyhalite.  The European Union accounts for 13% of the overall global potato production, and also has the highest level of potato consumption in the world at ~90 kg per capita per year.

Specifics of the trial work included, at SAC, comparisons of SOP, MOP and polyhalite as potassium sources in a nutrient balanced trial (including Mg and S) were completed. At the University of Wisconsin, a magnesium rate response trial using polyhalite as the Mg source (balanced for N, P, K, Ca and S) was compared to the fully balanced MOP alternative.  At the University of Minnesota, a balanced straights and blends study was executed.

As with previous trials, these results show significant yield increases of between 9% and 10%.  Other highlights demonstrate that polyhalite improved emergence by measuring stand counts by 13% and reduced glucose content by 20% which is important for product frying.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, commented:

"By carrying out these trials in these important markets like the United States and UK, where potatoes are a key crop, we continue to validate the effectiveness and value of polyhalite."

An agronomy update presentation and webcast has been uploaded to the Company website www.siriusminerals.com.