Rock Phosphate: Specification & Supply
Product: Rock Phosphate
Also known as: Phosphate Rock, Natural Phosphate Rock
Typical grade: 28–40% P₂O₅ (varies by origin and beneficiation)
Rock Phosphate Overview
Rock phosphate is a naturally occurring mineral fertilizer and the primary raw material for almost all commercial phosphate fertilizers. It is mined from sedimentary or igneous phosphate deposits and can be used either directly as a slow-release phosphorus source or further processed into higher-analysis fertilizers such as SSP, TSP, MAP and DAP.
When applied directly, rock phosphate acts as a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer, particularly effective in acidic soils where it gradually becomes available to plants over time. The typical grade stated on this page is 28–40% P₂O₅, varying by origin and beneficiation. No specific origin country is named on the page.
Rock Phosphate Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Typical Range / Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Phosphate (P₂O₅) | % | 28–40 (commonly 30–34 after beneficiation) |
| Bone Phosphate of Lime (BPL) | % | 60–75 (depending on grade) |
| Calcium Oxide (CaO) | % | 45–52 |
| Moisture | % | ≤ 3–5 |
| Fluorine (F) | % | Typically 2–4 |
| Silica (SiO₂) | % | Variable (often 4–12) |
| Appearance | — | Grey, brown, or off-white powder or granules |
| Form | — | Powdered (fine ground) or granular |
| Water Solubility | — | Very low |
| Citric Acid / Formic Acid Solubility | — | Moderate (varies by origin and fineness) |
Key Benefits
- Natural slow-release phosphorus
- — Provides a sustained supply of phosphorus over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent applications.
- Cost-effective long-term fertility
- — Economical source of phosphorus for building soil phosphorus reserves.
- Calcium contribution
- — Adds significant calcium to the soil.
- Suitable for organic agriculture
- — Many grades are accepted in organic farming systems as a natural phosphate source.
- Soil health support
- — Improves long-term soil fertility and can enhance microbial activity when used appropriately.
- Raw material versatility
- — Also used as feedstock for the production of phosphoric acid and concentrated phosphate fertilizers.
Recommended Applications
- Direct application as fertilizer is most effective for:
- Acidic to neutral soils (pH < 7)
- Long-term soil phosphorus building programs
- Organic and sustainable farming systems
- Perennial crops, pastures, orchards, and plantations
- Situations where a slow, steady phosphorus supply is preferred
- Less effective in:
- Highly alkaline or calcareous soils (low solubility and availability)
- Crops requiring rapid, immediate phosphorus supply (prefer water-soluble sources such as MAP, DAP, or TSP)
Packing and Shipping
- 25 kg or 50 kg bags
- 500–1,000 kg (or larger) jumbo bags (FIBC)
- Bulk (loose) delivery by truck, rail, or vessel for large-scale operations
Storage and Handling
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area protected from moisture.
- Keep bags sealed and stacked on pallets.
- Finely ground material can generate dust — use appropriate personal protective equipment (dust mask, gloves, eye protection).
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.
Why Ametheus
- Specification values, packing and storage notes are those already published on this page.
- No named origin country was stated; none was added.
Related pages: Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) | Fertilizers.
FAQ
What typical P₂O₅ range is stated?
28–40% P₂O₅, varying by origin and beneficiation.
What packing is listed?
25 kg or 50 kg bags; 500–1,000 kg (or larger) jumbo bags (FIBC); and bulk (loose) delivery by truck, rail or vessel.
Inquiry
For current availability, grade, quantity and delivery window, please include:
- Grade or form, and any specification limits you require
- Quantity and packing
- Destination and preferred delivery window
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