Study Considers U.S. Phosphorus Supply

Scientists from the University of Arkansas and North Carolina State University published a study that maps residual phosphorus in U.S. soil and explores how more phosphorus could be recovered from waste. Phosphorus, a key nutrient in agriculture, is listed as a critical mineral i the United States due to its limited domestic supply, which could be exhausted within 40 years. This study considered the amount of phosphorus built up in some soils due to the long-term application of fertilizer, and also explored recyclable sources of phosphorus, such as eggshells, manure, and livestock bones. Researchers identified some of the barriers to utilizing recyclable phosphorus.