Why Phosphorus

Without phosphorus, we cannot produce food. As an essential nutrient in fertilisers, phosphorus ensures the world’s agricultural soils are fertile, crop yields are high, farmer livelihoods are supported and ultimately that the global population can be fed. Yet it is uncertain whether the world’s main source of phosphorus will be available and accessible in the future. Phosphate rock is finite and becoming increasingly scarce, expensive and concentrated in only a few countries: Morocco alone controls three-quarters of the world’s remaining high-quality phosphate. At the same time, inefficient use of phosphorus from mine to field to fork is polluting our rivers and oceans, causing toxic algal blooms. Global action is required now to ensure we can feed ourselves and future generations Read more