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Why is sulfuric acid important in fertilizer production?

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A labeled diagram highlights sulfur's position on the periodic table, showing its atomic number 16, symbol S, atomic weight range, electron configuration, and classification as a solid, strongly acidic, orthorhombic nonmetal at room temperature. — sulfur Chemical properties of sulfur.

Sulfuric acid is a vital component in the production of fertilizers because it is used to process raw materials into forms that plants can utilize for growth.12

Specifically, sulfuric acid reacts with phosphate rock to produce superphosphate and other essential phosphate fertilizers. This chemical process is crucial for modern agriculture, as it transforms naturally occurring minerals into accessible nutrients that support plant metabolism and development. Nearly half of the world's total production of sulfuric acid is dedicated to the manufacture of these fertilizers.231