Superphosphate is a fertiliser produced by the action of concentrated Sulphuric Acid on ground phosphate rock. Fertilizers are chemicals given to plants with the intention of promoting growth; they are usually applied either via the soil or by foliar spraying. ... Sulfuric acid (British English: sulphuric acid), H2SO4, is a strong mineral acid. ... In chemistry, a phosphate is a polyatomic ion or radical consisting of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen. ...
Later the failure of superphosphate to produce, on some land, its early success stories was found to be due to another factor which, when provided for, extended again the use of superphosphates on the pasture lands.
The evidence suggests that the effect of superphosphate is governed solely by the condition of the natural phosphate in the soil.
Superphosphate was in many cases the factor that first permitted profitable cropping, and while the soil remains as it was or continues to deteriorate and erode, superphosphate must be needed.