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Organic Fertilizer for Root Growth- Phosphate Rock


by DoItYourself Staff

As far as organic fertilizer is concerned, phosphate rock is generally always useful.  Phosphates can be beneficial in any plant growth scenario, making its application possibilities widespread.

Composition

The main component of the phosphate rock is, of course, phosphate.  Typically, phosphate rock that is found in nature contains approximately 20% phosphates by weight.  However, when the phosphate rock is refined for use as fertilizer, that percent jumps to at least 30% for primary phosphate groups like phosphorus pentoxide and trace amounts of other phosphate materials.  Almost 90% of the phosphate rock that is produced in the world ends up used as fertilizer.

The second component that you will often see in phosphate rock organic fertilizer is calcium carbonate.  This is the substance that tends to provide the calcium in the fertilizer, since there are no other components to phosphate rock fertilizer that contain elemental calcium.  Together, these two compounds are responsible for delivering high amounts of phosphorus and calcium directly to the plant.

Benefits

The main benefit of phosphate rock fertilizer is that it provides an impressive kick start of nutrients to plants.  For that reason, it is best to use this fertilizer product just before you start growing your plants.  For the best results, mix it in with the soil liberally at about 2 ounces per square yard.  This is especially true for root growth, as strong roots need both phosphate and calcium in order to reach their full potential.

No Environmental Concerns

There are no environmental concerns with the use of phosphate rock fertilizer.  In fact, root growth in naturally-growing vegetation has been augmented by eroded phosphate nutrients from phosphate rock in several places around the world.  It is one of the most widespread organic fertilizer products that you are going to come across and one of the most environmentally friendly ones too.

Overall Rating

Overall, the phosphate rock ideal in providing plants with the phosphate nutrients they need in order to grow strong root structures.  The calcium nutrients, while present, are not as prevalent as they are in other fertilizer forms.  Calcium is arguably more important because it is often the limiting nutrient.  However, phosphate rock overall remains one of the most effective natural organic fertilizer products out there.

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