Problem 15 What is meant by superphosphate ... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 9: Problem 15

What is meant by superphosphate of lime? Give its composition.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Superphosphate of lime is a fertilizer created by treating rock phosphate with sulfuric acid. It provides essential nutrients like phosphorus and calcium to plants and is used to promote root development and flowering. The composition mainly consists of monocalcium phosphate (16-20%), calcium sulfate (12-15%), unreacted rock phosphate (2-5%), and trace elements and impurities such as iron, aluminum, and fluoride.

Step by step solution

Definition of Superphosphate of Lime

Superphosphate of lime is a type of fertilizer created by treating rock phosphate with sulfuric acid. It provides essential nutrients like phosphorus and calcium to plants, and it is used to promote root development and flowering.

Composition of Superphosphate of Lime

The composition of superphosphate of lime mainly consists of: 1. Monocalcium phosphate (Ca(H_2PO_4)_2): This compound is responsible for providing phosphorus, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth, root development, and seed formation. It typically comprises about 16-20% of the total composition. 2. Calcium sulfate (CaSO_4): Also known as gypsum, this compound provides calcium and sulfur essential for plant growth and development. Calcium sulfate usually makes up about 12-15% of the composition. 3. Unreacted rock phosphate: Some rock phosphate remains unreacted in the process of making superphosphate of lime, and it makes up about 2-5% of the composition. 4. Other elements: The remaining part of the composition includes trace elements and impurities such as iron, aluminum, and fluoride. The percentages of these elements vary, but they generally make up a small portion of the total composition.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Fertilizer Composition

Fertilizers are vital for plant growth as they supplement soils with essential nutrients that might be insufficient naturally. Understanding the composition of fertilizers can help in choosing the right type for specific plant needs. Superphosphate of Lime is one such fertilizer, and its composition is carefully crafted to offer balanced nourishment. It mainly consists of monocalcium phosphate and calcium sulfate, with trace amounts of unreacted rock phosphate and other elements. Each component plays a unique role in enriching the soil and promoting healthy plant growth. When applied correctly, these fertilizers significantly enhance the agricultural yield by ensuring that plants get the necessary nutrients in the right amounts.

Plant Nutrients

Plants require a variety of nutrients for growth, development, and reproduction. These nutrients can be broadly classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are needed in larger quantities. Among them, phosphorus, provided by superphosphate of lime, is essential for energy transfer and photosynthesis in plants. This nutrient plays a critical role in root development and seed production.
Simultaneously, calcium and sulfur are secondary macronutrients that support structural strength and metabolic processes. By supplying these nutrients, superphosphate of lime helps improve crop quality and effectiveness in nutrient uptake, ensuring plants thrive across different soils and weather conditions.

Monocalcium Phosphate

Monocalcium phosphate (\( \text{Ca(H}_2\text{PO}_4)_2 \)) is the active ingredient in superphosphate of lime responsible for phosphorus enrichment. This compound is water-soluble, which means it can be absorbed readily by plants. Phosphorus is imperative for various plant functions, such as ATP production, DNA synthesis, and cell division.
By fostering robust root systems, it enhances a plant's ability to draw water and nutrients from the soil. The presence of monocalcium phosphate in superphosphate of lime ensures that plants receive a steady supply of phosphorus, critical for growth and maximizing crop output. Farmers rely on this efficient delivery to maintain high agricultural productivity.

Calcium Sulfate

Calcium sulfate, commonly known as gypsum (\( \text{CaSO}_4 \)), is another important component of superphosphate of lime. It serves a dual purpose by providing both calcium and sulfur nutrients. Calcium is essential for maintaining cell wall structure and stability, leading to stronger plant tissues. It also plays a role in regulating nutrient transport and enzyme activity.
Sulfur is crucial for the synthesis of certain amino acids and vitamins in plants, and it aids in disease resistance. Gypsum also improves soil structure and drainage, facilitating air and water movement in the soil. Adding calcium sulfate through fertilizers like superphosphate of lime helps ensure that plants have access to these benefits, ultimately supporting better growth and resilience against environmental challenges.

91影视

What is meant by superphosphate of lime? Give its composition.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Superphosphate of Lime

Composition of Superphosphate of Lime

Key Concepts

Fertilizer Composition

Plant Nutrients

Monocalcium Phosphate

Calcium Sulfate

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Chemical Reactions

Physical Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

The Earths Atmosphere

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.