SUPERPHOSPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Superphosphate is a type of fertiliser that is commonly used in agricultural settings to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. It is a concentrated source of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which is an essential element for plants' overall development and productivity.
Superphosphate is made by treating phosphate rock, which is a naturally occurring mineral, with sulfuric acid. This process converts the insoluble phosphorus in the rock into a soluble form that can be easily absorbed by plants. The resulting product is a granular or powdered substance that contains various amounts of phosphorus, usually expressed as a percentage on the packaging.
When superphosphate is applied to soil, it releases phosphorus gradually over time, ensuring a continuous supply of this nutrient to plants. The phosphorus helps in root development, improved flowering, and enhanced fruit and seed production. In addition to its phosphorus content, superphosphate may also contain other essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, although in lesser amounts.
Using superphosphate correctly can have numerous benefits in agriculture, such as increasing crop yields, enhancing plant quality, and improving nutrient uptake efficiency. It is often used in crops that have high phosphorus demands, such as fruit trees, vegetables, and legumes. However, it is important to carefully follow application rates and timing recommendations, as excessive use of superphosphate can lead to nutrient imbalances, environmental pollution, or soil acidification.
In summary, superphosphate is a fertiliser rich in phosphorus that is produced by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. It provides a readily available source of phosphorus for plant growth and is widely used in agriculture to boost soil fertility and improve crop production.
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That phosphate of a series which contains the greatest proportion of phosphoric acid; an acid phosphate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Any substance containing the greatest quantity of phosphoric acid which can combine with the base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SUPERPHOSPHATE
- auperphosphate
- zuperphosphate
- xuperphosphate
- duperphosphate
- euperphosphate
- wuperphosphate
- syperphosphate
- shperphosphate
- sjperphosphate
- siperphosphate
- s8perphosphate
- s7perphosphate
- suoerphosphate
- sulerphosphate
- su-erphosphate
- su0erphosphate
- supwrphosphate
- supsrphosphate
- supdrphosphate
- suprrphosphate
Etymology of SUPERPHOSPHATE
The word "superphosphate" originated from two separate terms: "super" and "phosphate".
"Super" comes from the Latin word "super", which means "above" or "over". It was commonly used in medieval Latin to denote something superior or higher in quality.
"Phosphate" refers to a chemical compound that contains the anion PO43-. It is derived from the Greek word "phosphoros", which means "light-bringing" or "bringing light". This term is based on the property of phosphorus to emit a faint glow when exposed to oxygen.
Therefore, "superphosphate" is a combination of "super", implying superiority, and "phosphate", referring to the chemical compound. It suggests a high-quality or enhanced form of phosphate fertilizer commonly used in agriculture.
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