Triple superphosphate

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

3Ca₃(PO₄)₂·CaF₂ + 4H₃PO₄ + 9H₂O --> 9Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ + CaF₂

The active ingredient of the product, monocalcium phosphate, is identical to that of superphosphate, but without the presence of calcium sulfate that is formed if sulfuric acid is used instead of phosphoric acid. The phosphorus content of triple superphosphate (17 - 23% P; 44 to 52% P₂O₅) is therefore greater than that of superphosphate (7 - 9.5% P; 16 to 22% P₂O₅). Triple superphosphate was the most common phosphate (P) fertilizer in the USA until the 1960s, when ammonium phosphates became more popular. It is produced in granular and nongranular form and is used both in fertilizer blends (with potassium and nitrogen fertilizers) and by itself.

[edit] References

Havlin, J.L., J.D. Beaton, S.L. Tisdale, and W.L. Nelson. 2005. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers. 7th edn. Pearson Prentice Hall, N.J.

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