Szuperfoszfátok

Szuperfoszfátok is the Hungarian term for superphosphates, a group of phosphate fertilizers. These are produced by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. The primary goal of this process is to convert insoluble calcium phosphate, which is abundant in phosphate rock, into more soluble forms that plants can readily absorb.

There are two main types of superphosphates: single superphosphate and triple superphosphate. Single superphosphate, often abbreviated as SSP, is produced by reacting phosphate rock with an equal amount of sulfuric acid. This process yields a fertilizer containing approximately 16-20% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and also a significant amount of calcium sulfate (gypsum). Triple superphosphate, or TSP, is made by reacting phosphate rock with phosphoric acid, which is itself produced from phosphate rock and sulfuric acid. TSP is more concentrated in phosphorus, typically containing 44-52% P2O5, and has a lower proportion of calcium sulfate.

Superphosphates are widely used in agriculture to supply essential phosphorus to crops, which is crucial for root development, flowering, and seed formation. They are generally considered safe to handle and store, although proper precautions should always be taken. The environmental impact is primarily related to the mining of phosphate rock and the energy consumed in the manufacturing process.