Are Phosphorous and Phosphate the same?

[Doctor Trevor]

I need to give one of my plants phosphorous. The ingredient list on Cha-Ching mentions 'phosphate.' Is this the same?

 

[Weaselcracker]

Not exactly the same thing but for your purposes yes they’re referring to the same thing. Phosphorus (P) is the raw element that plants use. Phosphates are a type of compound that contain P.

 

[Emilya Green]

phosphate is phosphorus that has been bonded to 4 oxygen atoms... as far as the plant is concerned, yes, it is the same thing.

 

[Doctor Trevor]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[bobrown14]

Here's my read for the day:

Understanding phosphorus fertilizers

Take away... they only talk about animal sources of Phosphorous.... I'm sad.