Phosphated fertilizers

1988/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Nekazaritza

Canadian agricultural scientists have isolated the natural fungus called Penicilium bilaji. This fungus turns phosphates into soluble and plants are easier to absorb.

Fertilizers used by farmers often contain nitrates and phosphates, but farmers should use 10 times more fertilizers than plants need. When phosphate is in the soil it becomes insoluble by reacting with the calcium, iron and aluminum ions in the soil.

Microorganisms that make phosphate soluble are known, but they do not do so as quickly as is known. In addition, this penicillin has no problems to survive in the soil. In addition to the solubility of artificial phosphates, it also dissolves natural phosphates.

This last feature can be very useful in many underdeveloped countries. In Malawi, for example, there are many natural phosphates, but without being soluble they cannot be used.

The dissolution process is carried out in developed countries and Malawi must import treated phosphates. The use of a lustful Penicilium bilage would be very beneficial to the economy of peoples like Malawi.