Rock Phosphate Grades Explained: 26% vs 28% vs 30% Pā‚‚Oā‚…

Every rock phosphate quote leads with a percentage — but that single number hides two separate measurements that matter for different reasons. Here's what's actually behind the grade.

What does "P₂O₅ content" measure?

P₂O₅ (phosphorus pentoxide) is the standard measure of usable phosphorus in rock phosphate. It's reported two ways: total P₂O₅ (all phosphorus present) and citric-soluble P₂O₅ (the reactive portion, roughly indicating how readily available it is for processing).

GradeTotal P₂O₅Citric-Soluble P₂O₅Moisture
Grade B (26%)26.86%8.86%0.95% – 1%
Grade A (28%)28.66%11.05%0.91% – 1%
High-Grade (30%)30%12.50% – 13.50%0.85% – 1%

Why both numbers matter

A higher total P₂O₅ number looks better on paper, but the citric-soluble figure often determines processing efficiency. Serious buyers ask for both figures, not just the headline percentage.

Matching grade to application

Generally, higher-grade rock phosphate (28%+) is preferred for phosphoric acid production and higher-reactivity fertilizer processes. Mid-grade material (26%) is commonly used in Single Super Phosphate (SSP) production.

Powder vs lumps

Available as raw lumps or fine powder (standard grind: mesh size 130–150). Powder suits direct acid digestion; lumps suit buyers doing their own crushing on-site.

Which grade is best for DAP production?

DAP typically starts from phosphoric acid, generally produced more efficiently from higher-grade rock phosphate. Our 28% and 30% grades suit this route.

Can I request a custom blend between grades?

Grade blending is possible depending on order volume — mention your target specification when requesting a quote.

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