Sustainable phosphorus – new research effort

Global Phosphorus Research Initiative (GPRI)

The GPRI is a joint initiative between the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, and the Department of Water and Environmental Studies at Linköping University, Sweden. The main objective of the GPRI is to undertake quality transdisciplinary research on sustainable global phosphorus resources for future food security.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all plants and animals. We get our P through the food we eat, which has been fertilized by mineral or organic P fertilizers. Indeed, 90% of the P society uses is for food production.

Modern agricultural systems are dependent on continual inputs of P fertilizers processed from phosphate rock. Phosphate rock is mined in only a few countries, including China, the US and Western Sahara/Morocco. Yet these P reserves are becoming increasingly scarce. Studies suggest current reserves will be depleted within 50-100 years. Further, a global peak in P reserves could occur by 2040. While the exact timing might be disputed, it is widely accepted that the quality of P rock is decreasing and cost increasing. The price of phosphate rock has risen seven-fold in the last 14 months alone.

The P situation has many similarities with oil, yet worse than oil, there is no substitute for P in food production.

Click here to read 8 reasons why we need to better manage our global phosphorus resources for sustainable food production.

Other documents currently available at the site

The Story of Phosphorus: 8 reasons why we need to rethink the management of phosphorus resources in the global food system

Peak Phosphorus: the sequel to Peak Oil

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