|
|
Welcome to the website of the
Global Phosphorus Research Initiative (GPRI)
|
|
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all plants and animals. We get our P through the food we eat, which has been fertilized by mineral or organic P fertilizers. Indeed, 90% of the P society uses is for food production.
Modern agricultural systems are dependent on continual inputs of P fertilizers processed from phosphate rock. Phosphate rock is mined in only a few countries, including China, the US and Western Sahara/Morocco. Yet these P reserves are becoming increasingly scarce. Studies suggest current reserves will be depleted within 50-100 years. Further, a global peak in P reserves could occur by 2040. While the exact timing might be disputed, it is widely accepted that the quality of P rock is decreasing and cost increasing. The price of phosphate rock has risen seven-fold in the last 14 months alone.
The P situation has many similarities with oil, yet worse than oil, there is no substitute for P in food production.
click here to read 8 reasons why we need to better manage our global phosphorus resources for sustainable food production.
GPRI (2008)
|
|
