Agronomic effectiveness of partially acidulated phosphate rock fertilisers in selected New Zealand soils

Abstract

The agronomic performances of some longlife superphosphate (LSP) and partially acidulated phosphate rock (PAPR) fertilizers were compared with single superphosphate in glasshouse pot trials over 9-10 months using a range of New Zealand soils. The fertilizers used differed in the type (origin) of phosphate rock (PR), the acid to rock ratio used in the production of LSP, percentage acidulation of PAPR, and incorporation of elemental sulfur into LSP. The agronomic effectiveness of the fertilizers studied was primarily influenced by the type of PR and percentage acidulation of PAPR, but not by the acid to rock ratio. Variations in the agronomic effectiveness of LSP and PAPR fertilizers made from different PRs did not reflect the relative solubilities of the original PRs. This was mainly attributed to alterations in the chemistry and consequent solubility of PR which occurred during fertilizer manufacture. Plant phosphorus uptake was highly correlated with fertilizer solubility in 2% citric and 2% formic acids. The relative agronomic effectiveness of LSP and PAPR fertilizers was not significantly related to any single soil property.