Standardization of Single Super Phosphate Fertilizer Formulation for Various Hazara Rock Phosphates
Standardization of Single Super Phosphate Fertilizer Formulation for Various Hazara Rock Phosphates
Matiullah Khan1*, Humera Arif2, Muhammad Rasheed2, Motsim Billah3 and Shoaib Ahmad1
ABSTRACT
The deficiency of phosphorus (P) is widespread in the soils of Pakistan. Out of 1279 thousand nutrient tons consumption of P fertilizers in the country during the year 2017-18, 85.4% was imported. The most expansive P fertilizers’ application is continuously increasing the cost of crop production. The huge amount rock phosphate (RP) found in Hazara area of Pakistan can be utilized as P source by preparing Single Super Phosphate (SSP). The spatial variation in minerology of Hazara RP might have an impact on the availability of phosphorus from these rocks. The experiment was therefore planned to revisit the formulation of SSP for various Hazara locations’ rock, for obtaining maximum available P. Three main locations’ rock phosphates; Guldania, Kakul and Paswal was collected and ground at 160 mesh level with ± 30% total P2O5 content were treated with various amounts and dilutions of sulfuric acid. The results showed that application of H2SO4 @0.6L + 50% dilution (v/v) per kg Guldania RP gave significantly highest available P content (15.61%), while Kakul RP released maximum P (15.47%) by application of H2SO4 @0.60 L+ 55% v/v dilution, per kg RP. The Paswal RP released maximum P by applying H2SO4 @0.55 L+ 55% v/v dilution, per kg RP. The periodic analysis of the reacted RP showed that availability of P increased with the time span, irrespective of the treatments and locations. However, the highest P in all reacted RP was recorded on day 90. Beyond day 90, the P content showed a declining trend, especially in reacted RP of Paswal and Kakul. These results reveal that with the change in mineralogy of RP, the requirement of H2SO4 for solubilizing P also changes hence, separate formulation will be workable for all the three locations. These results also indicate that Guldania RP has a good and economical potential for SSP preparation.
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