Single Super Phosphate a fertilizer that contains P in water soluble form was first produced by the scientists of Rothamsted Experimental Station [UK] during the years 1842-43. Development of more complex phosphatic fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate and N, P, K mixtures followed. Today around 140 million tons of rock phosphate mineral is consumed every year by the fertilizer industry.

Recent research [1,2] however indicates that fine sized rock phosphate mineral mixed with organic manure [PROM] works as efficiently as any of the chemical phosphatic fertilizers. Further PROM shows equal residual effect i.e. it works for two consecutive crops with equal effect. PROM is a natural product and is less costly.

The group of scientists who developed PROM formed PROM Society to help all those interested in Natural Farming Science including entrepreneurs who wish to commercialize these techniques.

Several natural minerals are directly used in agriculture for example gypsum, murate of potash [KCl], saltpetre [KNO3] etc. It must be possible to use finely ground minerals [of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo, Co, etc] with organic manure as micronutrient fertilizers. Several organic wastes can be used in agriculture for N for example wastes from wool and leather industry.

1 http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/may102001/1113.pdf
2 http://precedings.nature.com/documents/2411/version/1

More details about PROM Technology may be seen at:
http://www.promsociety.com/research.htm

http://network.nature.com/groups/naturalfarmingscience/forum/topics

Thanks,
DMR Sekhar