Red phosphorus as a possible fertilizer

Abstract

Red phosphorus as a fertilizer is slow in action. It gradually oxidizes in moist air to mixtures of phosphites and phosphates, a reaction accelerated by copper catalysts to give almost pure phosphates. Suitable mixtures of red phosphorus, copper and superphosphate may therefore prove to be practical phosphatic fertilizers. Such mixtures are free from fire hazards and if manufactured on a large scale could be more economical than superphosphate alone, when transport costs are high or when aerial application is required.