Obtención de fertilizante fosfatado, a partir de acidulación parcial, utilizando como fuente de fósforo la roca fosfórica de FOSFONORTE S.A.

Abstract

The availability of phosphate rock, and its potential use as fertilizer, are the object of this study. Tests were carried out at the laboratory level in order to evaluate an optimal process for obtaining a phosphatized and enriched fertilizer. Focusing the production line towards obtaining triple superphosphate, and nitrophosphate. It's about phosphate rock as the source of phosphorus and calcium, and a partial acidulation was carried out taking into account the stoichiometric principles of the reaction, according to the strong acid that was used, in this case phosphoric acid (H3PO4), and nitric acid (HNO3). The rock was subjected to different concentrations of acid, in order to raise the levels of total phosphorus, assimilable phosphorus and nitrogen, according to soil requirements; in addition to raising the pH. Subsequently, the optimum curing time was studied, bearing in mind that this is necessary for the reaction to be carried out completely; This was done by sending samples periodically to laboratory analysis, to study the evolution in the increase of the aforementioned levels. With the aforementioned methodology, a production process was standardized. The results showed that the products obtained are similar to those existing in the market, in terms of the levels of study decreed. The product with the highest levels achieved; it was 35% total P2O5 and 34% P2O5 assimilable; that is, more than 98% solubilization. Finally, an evaluation was made of the agronomic efficiency of the product obtained, in an acid soil of the region with an indicator plant, in this case corn. This in order to make a comparison in the growth process of the same plant, but without any fertilizer. The result was the expected one v since the efficiency of the obtained product point out a great difference in the vegetative period of the plant, production of grain, stability of stem, etc. In this way, the project was approved by the company, giving way to the evaluation of the design for the construction of the phosphoric rock acidification plant.