From the June 2009 issue of Scientific American magazine:
“Mining phosphorus for fertilizer is consuming the mineral faster than geologic cycles can replenish it. The U.S. may run out of its accessible domestic sources in a few decades, and few other countries have substantial reserves, which could also be depleted in about a century.
Excess phosphorus in waterways helps to feed algal blooms, which starve fish of oxygen, creating ‘dead zones.’
Reducing soil erosion and recycling phosphorus from farm and human waste could help make food production sustainable and prevent algal blooms.”
It is a serious threat to the world’s food supply and everyone interested in food should read the complete article here.
Graphic credit: Scientific American magazine
Hydroponics Dictionary
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s a good thing that steamed bone meal (1-13-0 NPK) is renewable. Good article.
Actually, the middle number is a bit too high. This discourages mycorrhizae forming. It is the mycorrhizal fungi and the phosphatizing helper bacteria that will help prevent the famine. We have to work with mycorrhizal fungi. They get the phosphorus and unlock it.