Filling the phosphorus fertilizer gap in developing countries

摘要

To the Editor — In a recent Commentary, Obersteiner and colleagues1 correctly highlight the conflicting priorities of phosphorus-producing nations, rich phosphorus-consuming nations, and poor nations that continue to manage soils under severe phosphorus deficiency. We agree with their point that a reduction in phosphorus wastage in the developed world, where phosphate waste streams are largest~2, offers significant opportunities for phosphorus recycling — which, in turn, could ultimately make phosphorus more affordable for everyone. We argue, however, that developing countries that lack mineable phosphorus reserves could achieve greater autonomy by recycling the phosphorus contained in agricultural waste products.