Chemical composition and nutrient comparison
Triple Superphosphate provides concentrated, water-soluble phosphorus for agricultural soils.
Technical nutrient breakdown and comparisons:
- Full form and nutrient content: Triple Superphosphate containing 46% available phosphate (P2O5), with over 85% of the phosphate in water-soluble form.
- Calcium contribution: Contains approximately 15% calcium, supporting root elongation and cell wall stability.
- Comparison with SSP: Single Superphosphate contains 16% P2O5 and 11% elemental sulphur; TSP provides nearly triple the phosphorus density, lowering freight and handling costs.
- Comparison with DAP: Diammonium Phosphate contains 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus; TSP supplies pure phosphorus without nitrogen, allowing flexible nitrogen scheduling.
- Granular formulation: Uniform grey-brown granules dissolve steadily in soil moisture, reducing phosphate fixation in acidic or alkaline soils.
Role of phosphorus in plant growth and crop benefits
Phosphorus is essential for cellular energy transfer (ATP/ADP), photosynthesis, and root proliferation:
Agronomic benefits across crops:
- Early root architecture: Stimulates deep taproot and lateral root branching in young germinating seedlings, enhancing drought resilience.
- Nodulation in legumes: Promotes active rhizobium nodule formation in soybean, chickpea, and pigeon pea, enhancing natural nitrogen fixation.
- Flowering and grain development: Accelerates uniform flowering, reduces flower drop, and enhances grain and seed filling.
- Basal placement requirement: Because phosphorus is immobile in soil, TSP must be placed in the root zone near seeds during sowing rather than broadcast on the surface.
Application guidance and Soil Health Card testing
Farmers should base TSP application rates on soil test values obtained from their official Soil Health Card. Band-place TSP 5 cm below and to the side of the seed line during final land preparation or using a seed-cum-fertilizer drill. Purchase exclusively from licensed fertilizer dealers with a printed Point of Sale (PoS) receipt under DBT.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the full form of TSP fertilizer?
The full form of TSP is Triple Superphosphate.
How much phosphorus is present in Triple Superphosphate?
TSP contains 46% available phosphorus (P2O5), primarily in water-soluble form.
Why is TSP preferred over DAP for leguminous pulse crops?
TSP provides concentrated phosphorus without excess nitrogen, encouraging pulse crops to fix their own atmospheric nitrogen naturally.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Fertilizers & Crop Nutrition guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.