Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) is used as a complex fertiliser containing nitrogen (11%) and phosphate (52%). Due to its composition, it is also called 11-52-0. MAP is a water soluble mineral phosphate fertiliser, which is used either as a raw material for several complex fertilisers (like NP and NPK) or for direct application.
Information
Together with DAP, it is the most commonly applied phosphate fertiliser globally. Both are derived from rock phosphate. Rock phosphate is mined mainly in opencast mining. It provides a low water solubility in its natural form, therefore it is unavailable for plants. With the reaction of rock phosphate and sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid is formed. The phosphoric acid is reacted with ammonia in order to create several ammonium phosphate fertilisers, such as MAP.
Features
• MAP is a high analysis source of phosphorus.
• A cost effective granular product.
• Low in heavy metals.
• Good handling characteristics.
• The nitrogen in MAP is in the ammonium form, which resists leaching and is a slower release form of nitrogen.
• The product has an acid reaction in the soil which can be an advantage in neutral and high pH soils. Therefore MAP is used in preference to DAP on alkaline soils.
