Phosphate Mining and Processing
Phosphorus is found in all living cells and plays an essential role in all forms of life including crop production. Plants use phosphorus to fuel various plant processes including energy storage and transfer, photosynthesis, and crop maturity.
Phosphate is the naturally occurring form of phosphorus. It is mined from deposits of phosphate rock or apatite found in the environment. The largest phosphorus deposits are found in Central Florida where 15 per cent of global phosphate is mined. Once the phosphate ore has been mined, it is processed to separate the phosphate rock. The phosphate rock is then ground and mixed to form phosphoric acid, the basis for all phosphorus fertilizers. It is then combined with anhydrous ammonia to create both dry and liquid fertilizer products including diammonium phosphate (DAP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP).
Knowing what goes into the phosphate fertilizer you use and the agricultural inputs you invest in is essential to making more informed decisions about nutrient management and crop production.
The process begins when raw materials and minerals are collected and extracted for production. These materials are processed and chemically engineered to be used for agricultural production or to create specific nutrient products. Once manufactured, fertilizers are stored and prepared for distribution. Retailers then purchase the products to distribute to customers while often producing custom blends for the farmers in their region. The final fertilizer products are then shipped and delivered to producers to be applied on the farm.
Understanding this process will give you greater insight into the factors that influence fertilizer production, availability, and cost. This will help you plan ahead, make more informed input decisions, and manage your fertilizer programs and budgets more efficiently.
Producing the fertilizer needed to support agricultural production and feed our growing world is no simple task. The supply chain relies on the dedication of producers, suppliers, and distributors who work together to create a meaningful product that can support agricultural production.
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Facts about Phosphate
- The largest phosphorus deposits in North America are found in Central Florida – two-thirds of North American phosphorus or 15 percent of global phosphorus is found here.
- Other countries where phosphorus is mined include Morocco, Iraq, Russia, and China.
- Phosphorus is found in every living cell – both plant and animal – and is essential for all life.
- Phosphorus is one of 17 essential plant nutrients and is classified as a primary nutrient with nitrogen and potassium.
