Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid, also called orthophosphoric acid, (H₃PO₄), the most important oxygen acid of phosphorus, used to make phosphate salts for fertilizers. It is also used in dental cements, in the preparation of albumin derivatives, and in the sugar and textile industries. Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline liquid. It gives soft drinks a tangy flavor and prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, which can multiply easily in a sugary solution.

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient and is taken up by plant roots. The manufacture of fertilizers that are used to rectify phosphorus deficiencies in soils depends on the availability of supplies of phosphoric acid.  Application of phosphoric acid in agriculture: About 90% of the phosphoric acid produced is used to make fertilizers.  It is mainly converted into three phosphate salts which are used as fertilizers. They are triple superphosphate (TSP), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) and monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate (MAP).