Reactive Phosphate Rock: The Case of Bifox-20

June 12, 2024

Reactive phosphate rock refers to varieties with the potential to release phosphorus through natural weathering processes, making it available for plant uptake. Bifox-20 sourced from the Bahía Inglesa deposit in Chile, exemplifies highly reactive phosphate rock:

Characteristics

Boasts high solubility in organic acids and fine granulometry, enhancing its agronomic efficiency.

Benefits

It provides phosphorus and calcium, crucial nutrients for plant growth, with a high residual effect and minimal soil acidification. Additionally, it includes potassium, sulfur, magnesium, zinc, and boron, supporting comprehensive soil nutrition.

Advantages

  • High reactivity and assimilable phosphorus content.
  • Does not acidify soil and acts as a calcareous amendment, improving pH levels.
  • Gradual phosphorus release, reducing nutrient losses and optimizing efficiency.
  • Maximum Relative Agronomic Efficiency (RAE) compared to water-soluble fertilizers.
  • Environmentally friendly with a low carbon footprint.


Phosphorus and its primary source, phosphate rock, are indispensable resources supporting agriculture, biology, and emerging technologies. From enhancing crop yields to advancing battery technology, phosphorus’s versatility underscores its critical importance in sustaining global food security and environmental stewardship.