End of the phosphate fertilizer reserves: reality or geopolitical restrictions?

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for all life on earth, and has no substitute in food production. The supply of P from phosphate rock reserves is concentrated in a few countries and could be severely affected. Whereby the geopolitical context should be considered when assessing the situation. However, there are no reliable and transparent data on the production, trade, use and losses of this nutrient. So is there really a physical shortage or are they economic, political or technical constraints? Although solutions are already being sought at different scales to achieve greater resilience of agroecosystems, actions are urgently needed to understand, protect and preserve our planet and its limited resources, such as P, in a sustainable, profitable and safe way.