Superphosphate

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Superphosphate is a fertilizer produced by the action of concentrated sulfuric acid on ground phosphate rock.

Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + 2H₂SO₄ → Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ + 2CaSO₄

A large market for superphosphate was created in the second half of the 20th century by the development of aerial topdressing in New Zealand which allowed superphosphate to be spread economically over large areas. Superphosphate can be created naturally in large quantities by the action of guano, or bird feces, resulting in deposits around sea bird colonies which can be mined. The most famous mining site is the island of Nauru in the South Pacific much of the "soil" from which was mined, creating temporary wealth for the inhabitants, but destroying their environment.

External links

For a full list of external links to MSDSs, spectroscopic data, commercial chemicals suppliers etc. for this compound, see [Chemical sources].

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