Phosphorus may be one of the three main types of fertilizer needed by any plant, but phosphoric acid is a secondary, even concomitant fertilizer that has a special structure and deserves special attention.
Phosphorus and its benefits
Phosphorus is one of the 17 vital elements for plant development. Phosphorus is a key component in some agrochemicals, such as phosphoric acid. The percentage of phosphorus in the fertilizer is in the form of phosphorus pentoxide. As one of the three main elements in NPK, phosphorus is used in fully oxidized or hydrated form. Thus, phosphorus is more easily absorbed by plants, but it also depends to a large extent on the acidity of the soil.
Due to the slow movement of phosphorus from solid phosphate fertilizers in the soil, studies have been made to find a method to make phosphorus more accessible to plants. Phosphorus works equally well on all crops, but especially on those with a deep root system. Phosphorus is available in two forms on the agricultural market.
Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is a reduced form of phosphate. It is used as a fertilizer and as a biostimulant. Phosphoric acid acts on plants that are in dire need of phosphorus. Phosphoric acid is not considered as a basic fertilizer, but as a by-product. Others find it an excellent tool for destroying fungi.
Phosphoric acid is not found in nature with few exceptions - when the soil is particularly acidic (below 2.1).
There is a certain bacterium that breaks down phosphoric acid into phosphate to make phosphorus available and digestible to plants. Phosphoric acid increases the endurance of vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, slowing down their rotting time. Liquid phosphoric acid contains 54% diphosphorus pentoxide.
Phosphoric acid production
Phosphoric acid is obtained through two processes - "wet" and thermal.
Thermal process - phosphorus and air. Phosphorus is burned in hot air to produce phosphoric acid. The concentration of the final product is 85%. The thermal process usually gives a cleaner product, but requires much more energy.
Wet process - phosphate rock to which concentrated sulfuric acid is added. This leads to the formation of phosphoric acid and calcium sulphate (gypsum) and some insoluble impurities. After purification, the concentration of phosphoric acid reaches 60%. The acid obtained by the "wet" process is not so pure, but is used in the production of fertilizers.
Application of phosphoric acid
About 90% of the phosphoric acid produced is used for the production of fertilizers. It is converted into three phosphate salts, which are used in agriculture - triple superphosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate and monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate. 43 million tons are produced annually.
Phosphates for fertilization
Phosphoric acid salts, phosphates, are compounds that are widely used in agriculture. They are a preferred accompanying fertilizer for fruits, vegetables and others.
Ammonium phosphates - Monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate are mainly used as fertilizers by mixing the correct proportions of phosphoric acid with anhydrous ammonia in a rotating drum.
Calcium phosphates - calcium dihydrogen phosphate is obtained by the reaction of phosphate rock and sulfuric acid, which produces superphosphate containing 20% diphosphorus pentoxide. If treated with phosphoric acid, triple superphosphate is obtained. The highest level of phosphate is achieved.
Sodium phosphates - phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide, as the final product crystallizes.
Phosphoric acid fertilization:
In sandy soils, the presence of phosphorus is much higher and can be retained more easily than in clayey, alkaline soils. The best form of fertilization is liquid. Once diluted, it is poured around the stem without touching it. Assimilation is faster.
However, if you want a long process with minimal leaching, bet on the solid form and try phosphates. Phosphoric acid can be applied at any stage of plant development, but in some crops, such as sugar beet, it is preferable to start fertilizing at the beginning. The seeds also germinate better when there is phosphoric acid in the starting fertilizer.
THE IMAGE IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY
