Low water-soluble superphosphate fertiliser for pasture production in south-western Australia

Abstract

Single superphosphate is derived from chemically treating rock phosphate into relative proportions of monobasic, dibasic and tribasic calcium phosphate to produce a commonly used source of phosphorus fertiliser for pasture systems. The leaching of phosphorus on susceptible soil types contributes to eutrophication and environmental damage. By modifying the chemistry of single superphosphate to match a soils phosphorus binding index and rainfall conditions, pasture dry matter yield can be maintained and leaching of phosphorus significantly reduced.