October 20, 2010 – “The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) and its predecessor, the Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI), have long promoted the effective and efficient use of phosphorus (P) fertilizer in crop production. Without balanced and appropriate P input, crop yields are reduced, quality is diminished, and the potential for adverse environmental consequences are increased. However, excessive P input in crop production, usually associated with manure application, can pose specific and well known challenges. Therefore, P input in crop production warrants careful and judicious consideration on the part of farmers and their advisors, regardless of crop or country.
Most commercial P fertilizer is derived from mined phosphate rock (PR), a naturally occurring ore consisting mainly of calcium phosphate minerals. As is the case with most natural resources, the global supply of PR is finite and there are legitimate concerns regarding eventual depletion. In response to the heightened global awareness of P and PR availability, the International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) has released a publication entitled World Phosphate Rock Reserves and Resources (September 2010). This report is Phase One of a comprehensive effort to thoroughly evaluate world phosphate rock reserves. This initial phase includes a survey of global literature using publicly available information and was not envisioned as a definitive analysis. Phase Two will be a collaborative effort among PR producers, government agencies, international agencies, organizations, and academia to better estimate the world’s PR reserves and resources.”
Read the full article from IPNI.
