WHAT IS IT?
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is a granular fertilizer with the formula (NH₄)₂HPO₄. It contains both nitrogen (18%) and phosphorus (46% as P₂O₅), making it a high-analysis, highly efficient fertilizer commonly expressed as 18-46-0 (N-P-K).
HOW IS IT MADE?
Produced by reacting phosphoric acid (from phosphate rock) with ammonia. The resulting slurry is granulated and dried.
KEY USES
Primary phosphate fertilizer for all major crops: wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, cotton
Applied at planting time to support root development and early growth
Blended with urea and potash for NPK compound fertilizers
WHY PHOSPHORUS MATTERS
Phosphorus drives root growth, flowering, and seed formation. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus cannot be fixed from the air — it must be mined and processed. DAP is the most efficient way to deliver it.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: Morocco (OCP Group — world's largest), China, Russia, Saudi Arabia
Major buyers: India (world's largest importer), Brazil, USA, Pakistan, East Africa
Tetra relevance: East Africa — Kenya and Tanzania import significant DAP for tea, coffee, and staple crop production
PRICING BASIS
Benchmark: FOB Tampa (USA), FOB Yuzhny (Black Sea), CFR India. World Bank Pink Sheet monthly reference. Prices driven by phosphate rock cost, ammonia price, and Indian import demand.
SPECIFICATIONS
N content: 18% min
P₂O₅ content: 46% min
Moisture: 1.5% max
Granule size: 2–4mm (90% min)
pH: 7.5–8.0 in solution (important for soil chemistry)
STORAGE
Less hygroscopic than urea but still moisture-sensitive. Bulk storage in covered warehouse. Do not blend with alkaline fertilizers (e.g. calcium nitrate) — ammonia loss.