Advertisement

Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)

Last updated: August 1, 2018

What Does Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4) Mean?

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is mineral/inorganic acid and a derivative of phosphate. It is generally found in salt from. It’s used in a wide range of applications, including plant fertilizer, where it forms the “P” in the N-P-K rating. Note that phosphoric acid is caustic in high concentrations.

In addition to its use in fertilizer, food-grade phosphoric acid can be used to lower the pH of a soil or nutrient solution. used as a rust remover on metal implements.

Phosphoric acid can also be used as a food additive, used to sanitize food preparation areas and commercial machinery, and used in medicine and during dental work. Stronger forms are used as rust removers and during many other industrial processes.

Advertisement

Maximum Yield Explains Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)

All plants need the right balance of minerals and nutrients in order to thrive. Phosphate is one of those, and it is generally included in all fertilizers, whether organic in origin, or synthetic. Generally, this is done in the form of phosphoric acid, which is a derivative of phosphate.

Phosphoric acid cannot be taken up directly by plants – it must be changed first. After being applied to the soil, the acid is converted into hydrogen phosphate by chemical actions and biological agents. It is also transformed into dihydrogen phosphate, which is also usable by plants.

It should be noted that there are many primary sources of phosphorus and phosphoric acid. Animal manure contains phosphate, but it does not create new substances. It simply transports phosphate from one area to another (after the application of manure). However, by adding acid to animal bones, new phosphate can be created in the form of phosphoric acid.

The same process is used with phosphoric rock, which has become the primary source of phosphorus in commercial fertilizers. Acid is applied to the rock after it has been mined and crushed, thus rending phosphoric acid that can be applied in many different ways.

Note that phosphorous acid and phosphoric acids are very different. Phosphorous acid, which has one less oxygen molecule (H3PO3),Orthophosphoric acid; Trihydroxylphosphine oxide is used as a fungicide in diluted form. It is generally sold in salt form, but some liquid mixtures are available.

Advertisement

Synonyms

Orthophosphoric Acid, Trihydroxylphosphine Oxide

Share this Term

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Tags

Plant NutritionPlant GrowthPlant Science

Trending Articles

Go back to top
Maximum Yield Logo

You must be 19 years of age or older to enter this site.

Please confirm your date of birth:

This feature requires cookies to be enabled