How the U.S. Can Make the Most of Remaining Domestic Phosphorus Reserves
At Phospholutions, we believe that our global food system demands better solutions for sustainable production and responsible use of phosphorus. We develop innovative nutrient use efficiency technologies and through partnerships with global fertilizer manufacturers, retailers and growers advance sustainable fertilizer technology.
Unearthing the Phosphorus Treasure Trove
Phosphorus, a vital nutrient for plant life, underpins agricultural production and global food security. But where does this essential element come from? The answer lies in a seemingly unremarkable rock called phosphorus rock, or phosphorite.
Phosphate rock is a sedimentary rock formed over millions of years. Ancient marine animals, rich in calcium and phosphorus, accumulated on the seabed. Over time, geological processes like compaction and lithification transformed these deposits into rock strata. Today, these phosphate deposits exist in sedimentary basins around the world.
Global Phosphorus Reserves
Efficiently using global phosphate reserves extends the life of the mines furthering the sustainability of this important resource. Some of the major countries boasting significant phosphate rock reserves include:
Norway is the recent leader in phosphate reserves discovering 71 billion tons in 2018.1
Morocco claimed about 71% of the world’s phosphate reserves prior to the discovery in Norway. Its phosphate rock reserves come in at 50,000 billion tons, now about 40% of global reserves.2
Egypt lands in the third spot with 2,800 billion metric tons.
China distantly follows Morocco in reserves but leads global mining production with 90 million metric tons in 2023.Common estimations say the world has 300-400 years of global phosphorus reserves.
United States Phosphorus Production
Today, the U.S. produces about 88% of the phosphate rock domestically consumed. The U.S. phosphate reserves are sitting at about 1 billion metric tons or 1.3or world reserves. The United States’ significant phosphate rock deposits are primarily concentrated in Florida and North Carolina.
Phosphate rock mining utilizes various techniques depending on the deposit's location and characteristics. Here's a glimpse into some common methods:
Insights from Phospholutions
Hunter Swisher Joins the Sustainable Phosphorus Alliance Board
The Sustainable Phosphorus Alliance, a leading organization dedicated to advancing phosphorus sustainability in North America, is proud to announce that Hunter Swisher, founder and CEO of Phospholutions, has joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors.
Commercial-Scale Production Proves Affordable, Accessible, and Sustainable Phosphorus Fertilizer Supply
Phospholutions Inc, a growth stage sustainable fertilizer startup, has reached a significant milestone in commercializing its flagship RhizoSorb® technology to produce more affordable and sustainable phosphorus fertilizers at commercial scale. The company has partnered with Toros Agri, a leading fertilizer manufacturer and distributor in the European market, as the first commercial-scale producer of RhizoSorb®, touted as The Next Generation of Phosphorus Fertilizer™.
The Next Generation of Phosphorus Fertilizer™ Expands Globally via Partnership with WeGrow AG
The Next Generation of Phosphorus Fertilizer continues to expand globally to serve Central and South America. Phospholutions, the team behind RhizoSorb® technology, is proud to announce their official partnership to commercially launch RhizoSorb® with WeGrow AG.
Phospholutions Inc. Appoints Research and Development Vice President to Propel Sustainable Fertilizer Technology
State College, PA, - a leader in sustainable fertilizer technology, is further enhancing global phosphorus utilization through its Next GenerationTMRhizoSorb® fertilizer technology. This commitment to innovation is exemplified by the addition of Dr. Krishna Maruvada, to Phospholutions' leadership team.
