Is rock phosphate good for plants
Yes. Rock phosphate is a natural source of phosphorus, which is crucial to the maturity and healthy growth of plants. Phosphorus also plays a key role in photosynthesis. This nutrient exists from seedling growth to grain maturity. Therefore, every plant needs phosphorus at the initial stage of growth. This nutrient supports its vitality and overall health.
Phosphorite also provides phosphorus through energy storage and transfer, cell expansion and plant respiration. If rock phosphate is not applied, the plant cannot fully grow and cannot regulate its metabolic pathway.
Reasonable use of soft rock phosphate fertilizer
If the pH value of the soil is higher than 5.5, soft rock phosphate is insoluble. It needs acidic conditions to be fully absorbed by plant roots. To use soft phosphate correctly, it must be mixed into the soil before planting. You can also add it to the planting hole to pot or plant trees again. Adding it to the soil surface may not be as effective.
If you have a perfect lawn and trees, scatter rock phosphate on the landscape. Rake the soil gently to make it better integrate into the root zone. For transplanting and planting trees, use 2-10 pounds per planting hole. If your soil is particularly deficient in phosphorus, you can increase the absorption to 50 pounds per 100 square feet. According to the health level of your plant, a single application of soft rock phosphate can last for 5 years.
Make full use of rock phosphate
Phosphorus in rock phosphate needs acidic soil to obtain. Alkaline soil makes fertilizer almost useless. To speed up this process, you can add fertilizer to the compost. The acidic nature of compost can loosen the chemical bonds, thus making it easier for phosphorus to enter the roots.
You can add other beneficial microorganisms, such as mycorrhiza, to release phosphorus quickly. Always purchase high-quality rock phosphate from reputable companies to ensure that your plants are treated best.
How is rock phosphate formed?
rock phosphate is a natural fertilizer. In most cases, it reacts with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid (P2O5), which can then be used. Add acid to rock phosphate powder. This acid is then further processed to create good fertilizer for gardens, trees, flowers and vegetables.
When sulfuric acid is used, the chemical produced is called "normal or single phosphate (SSP)", which contains 16-21% phosphorus content. The production of SSP starts from mixing rock phosphate and sulfuric acid in the reactor. The mixture is then transferred to a slowly moving conveyor. Then, it is solidified for at least 4-6 weeks, and then packaged and transported as fertilizer. All phosphate fertilizer plants have phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid production facilities.
What is the chemical formula of rock phosphate?
The chemical formula of rock phosphate is Ca5FO12P3. This mineral formula is also known as calcium carbonate - fluoroapatite. There are four types of rock phosphate:
Hard
Soft
River pebble phosphate
Soil pebble phosphate
The chemical formula of phosphoric acid (also known as rock phosphate) is P2O5, and the content of phosphate can vary from 2% to 21%.