Experts fear phosphorus shortage in future
• To say that phosphorus is critical both to farming and life in general is no understatement. Phosphorus serves a critical metabolic function in plants and animals, helping organisms store and use energy for growth and reproduction. Without it, food production would be impossible.• There are estimates we have as little as 50 years left in the current phosphate mines.• China is buying up as much phosphorus as it can secure from foreign sources, including the United States,• Some experts are even calling for the formation of an international body to monitor the use and recycling of phosphorus.
October 7, 2010
A mineral not only essential to farming, but also to life on earth is running out, and scientists currently are at a loss as to what to do about it.
The mineral is phosphorus, which, as The London Times reported two years ago, is being “mined, used and wasted as never before.”
To say that phosphorus is critical both to farming and life in general is no understatement. Phosphorus serves a critical metabolic function in plants and animals, helping organisms store and use energy for growth and reproduction. Without it, food production would be impossible.
Phosphorus is equally as critical to humans, aiding both our metabolism, respiration and building strong bones.