Optimising P₂O₅ availability for fertilizer use, by direct treatment of apatite with hydrochloric or nitric acids

Abstract

Hydrochloric and nitric acid treated apatite is not directly used as a fertilizer because of the hygroscopic character of the products. Another problem arises from the volatility of these acids and that acidulated product undergo reversions during drying with loss of the acid. We have found that apatite beneficiated with hydrochloric and nitric acids dried at an optimum temperature ~120°C has high available phosphorous. The products can be stored in the solid form in sealed polythene bags.