A Life Essential
Because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth. Most applied phosphorus comes from phosphate (a compound containing the phosphate ion, PO43−) rock mining. Phosphorus is essential for life and has no substitute. It is one of the three key ingredients in fertilizer, and phosphates are a component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.
Phosphorus is present in soils, to different degrees, depending on the bedrock. 71% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves are in Morocco, some of which comes from the contested region of Western Sahara. 90% of phosphate rock is used for food production such as fertilizers, animal feed, and food additives. Phosphate is used in detergents to make them more efficient, but has been largely banned in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere due to its environmentally damaging role.
Challenges
80% of phosphorus is lost or wasted in the supply chain from mine, to field, to fork. Most phosphorus is ultimately lost to water bodies via agricultural runoff and waste water. Excess phosphorus in water causes algal blooms and eutrophication. Peak phosphorus is estimated between 2025 and 2084, after which high-quality sources of phosphorus will diminish and become harder and more expensive to extract. At the same time, phosphorus demand is rising with most demand coming from developing countries. There are no substitutes for phosphorus in agriculture.
Solutions
Scientists are improving soil fertility monitoring and fertilizer application, making innovations in time-release fertlizer. Companies and institutions can promote recovery of phosphorous from human and industrial waste. Generally, wasting less food decreases the demand for phosphorus, and composting kitchen scraps keeps phosphorus in the soil. Eating a diet with less meat and dairy also reduces phosphorus-heavy livestock rearing.