Phosphate Fertilizer磷肥
A phosphate fertilizer is one whose primary function is to supply phosphorus. It is classified by the solubility of the phosphorus into water-soluble types (single and triple superphosphate), citrate-soluble types (calcium magnesium phosphate) and insoluble types (phosphate rock powder). Phosphorus moves very little in soil, and phosphate fertilizer use efficiency is generally lower than that of nitrogen or potassium.
Key points
- Divided by phosphorus solubility into water-soluble and citrate-soluble types; solubility determines the soils and application methods for which the product is suited.
- Phosphorus diffuses only a few centimetres in soil, so phosphate fertilizer should be placed in the root-dense layer rather than broadcast on the surface — one of the principal reasons for low phosphate use efficiency.
- Chinese phosphate fertilizer output is dominated by high-analysis ammonium phosphates; the share applied as single superphosphate and calcium magnesium phosphate has continued to decline.
- Phosphate rock is a non-renewable resource, which is why the resource barrier in the phosphate sector is higher than in nitrogen or potassium processing.
Related terms
Ammonium Phosphate (MAP / DAP)
Ammonium phosphate is the collective term for monoammonium phosphate (MA…
Single Superphosphate
Single superphosphate, made by digesting phosphate rock powder with sulp…
Calcium Magnesium Phosphate
Calcium magnesium phosphate is a citrate-soluble phosphate fertilizer ma…
More in this category
Bulk Blending Fertilizer (BB Fertilizer)
Bulk blending fertilizer, abbreviated as BB fertilizer, is a fertilizer …
Compound Fertilizer
A compound fertilizer is a fertilizer containing at least two of the thr…
Nitrogen Fertilizer
A nitrogen fertilizer is one whose primary function is to supply nitroge…
Organic Fertilizer
An organic fertilizer is a carbon-containing material derived mainly fro…
Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer
An organic-inorganic compound fertilizer is made by adding organic mater…
Potash Fertilizer
A potash fertilizer is one whose primary function is to supply potassium…
Secondary and Micro Elements
Secondary elements are calcium, magnesium and sulphur — required in smal…
Water-soluble Fertilizer
A water-soluble fertilizer is a fertilizer that dissolves completely in …
Related companies
Coromandel International Limited
One of India's largest private phosphate and specialty nutrient companie…
Itafos Inc.
Phosphate-focused fertilizer producer and developer with operating asset…
OCP Group
The world's largest phosphate exporter, holding the majority of global p…
Paradeep Phosphates Limited
Indian phosphate fertilizer producer operating a large DAP and complex f…
PhosAgro
Russia's leading phosphate-based fertilizer producer, with an integrated…
PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero)
Indonesian state-owned fertilizer holding consolidating the country's ma…
- Category：Fertilizer classification
- Definition basis：GB/T 15063-2020 Compound Fertilizers
Updated：Oct 16, 2026