What is Single Super phosphate (SSP)?
type
status
date
slug
summary
tags
category
icon
password
Many experienced flower lovers strive to provide the best nutrition for their plants to promote plant growth. Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient. Single Superphosphate (SSP) is a phosphate fertilizer that provides plants with easily absorbed phosphorus (P). We will have an in-depth understanding of single super phosphate benefits and its composition.
1. Chemical Composition
SSP is a fertilizer made of phosphate rock powder and sulfuric acid. It has dark gray, grayish-white, or light yellow.
Monocalcium phosphate (CaH4 (PO4) 2) accounts for 30%-50% of its main components. Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) accounts for 40% of its main components. CaH4 (PO4) 2 is a water-soluble compound easily absorbed by plant roots. Although CaSO4, or gypsum, is difficult to dissolve in water, it can improve soil drainage.
SSP contains 18%-21% water-soluble phosphoric acid (P2O5). P2O5 can promote plant root growth and flower formation.
In addition, SSP typically contains 12%-14% calcium (CaO), which can increase the thickness of plant cell walls to enhance plant health. SSP also contains small amounts of ferric sulfate, aluminum sulfate, and free acid. Therefore, SSP is a phosphate fertilizer comprising calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S).
2. Benefits for Flowers
Phosphate in SSP can directly promote flower bud germination and amount of flowers. For flowers that have bright colors, like roses, dahlias, and lilies, the use of SSP is good.
The plant root development is inseparable from the phosphorus (P) in the soil. Well-developed roots can absorb water and nutrients for plants. Water and nutrients are the basis of plant health.
Sufficient phosphorus (P) strengthens plant stems and boosts their resistance to diseases and pests.
3. Drawbacks
Before using SSP, we will do a soil nutrition test to determine the soil's phosphorus (P) content. Excessive use of SSP will break out the nutrient balance in the soil and damage the soil health. At the same time, this can also cause plants to stop growing, leaves to wither, and even plants to die.
Not all soils can use SSP. In soils with pH above 7, SSP reacts with calcium (Ca), reducing its effectiveness. When the soil pH exceeds 7, SSP and triple superphosphate (TSP) are unsuitable for alkaline soils. Only when the soil pH value is 5.5-7.0 can the usage effect of SSP be best.
The pH of SSP is 6.0-6.8, which will reduce the soil pH. In comparison, this is good for rhododendrons and hydrangeas like acidic soil. But it harms plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil, such as lavender.
SSP provides only phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), but not nitrogen (N) and potassium (K). We need a more balanced NPK ratio to meet the needs of flower growth. Therefore, when we use SSP, we also need to supplement nitrogen and potassium fertilizer in the soil.
4. Conclusion
SSP can promote plant root growth, strengthen plant stems, help plants bloom, and increase crop yield. However, it has some cons and is unsuitable for all flowers and soil.
Please conduct a soil nutrition test or consult a local gardening expert before using SSP. And read the instructions on the package carefully. The aim is to minimize the soil's nutrient imbalance risk and protect plants as much as possible.
If you have some questions or advice, feel free to leave me a message. If you think my experience is merit, please forward it to your friends. I wish you every success in your gardening journey.
Bibliography:
- Izhar Shafi M, Adnan M, Fahad S, Wahid F, Khan A, Yue Z, Danish S, Zafar-ul-Hye M, Brtnicky M, Datta R. Application of Single Superphosphate with Humic Acid Improves the Growth, Yield and Phosphorus Uptake of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soil. Agronomy. 2020; 10(9):1224. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091224
- Obtaining granular NPK fertilizers from single superphosphate and urea, Aasamäe, E., Arumeel, E., Einard, M. et al. Obtaining granular NPK fertilizers from single superphosphate and urea. Fertilizer Research 35, 161–167 (1993), Received 22 May 1992, Accepted 08 April 1993, Issue Date October 1993, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00750634
- Exploring phosphorus fertilizers and fertilization strategies for improved human and environmental health, Bindraban, P.S., Dimkpa, C.O. & Pandey, R. Exploring phosphorus fertilizers and fertilization strategies for improved human and environmental health. Biol Fertil Soils 56, 299–317 (2020), Received 20 February 2019, Revised 18 December 2019, Accepted 30 December 2019, Published 08 January 2020, Issue Date April 2020 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-019-01430-2
My name is Arthur Mo. I am a gardener who loves gardening so much. I graduated from Ocean University of China. After I returned to Japan, I began to learn how to cultivate hydrangeas and daisies. Mr. Mitsuhiro (my master) taught me to sow, cut, fertilize, and manage diseases and pests. For nine years, I have been sharpening my planting skills. In 2022, my family and I moved to Florida. The warm climate of Florida gives me the impulse to continue cultivating hydrangeas and daisies. I began my gardening trip in my backyard and unswervingly contributed my efforts to these plants. I love these plants deeply, and at the same time, I also thank my family, my master, and friends for their understanding and support.