Phosphate fertilizers provide plants with phosphorus, an essential macronutrient required for root development, energy transfer and early growth. Farmers apply it in forms like diammonium phosphate or superphosphate to correct soil deficiencies. Because it binds tightly to soil particles, it rarely leaches but can run off into waterways on eroded soil.
Heard on the job
The soil test shows we're low on phosphorus, so we need to drill in some phosphate before planting the corn.