What type of fertilizer may naturally contain available phosphate?

Natural organic fertilizers may naturally contain available phosphate because they are derived from organic sources such as animal manure, compost, or bone meal. These materials are formed through natural processes that provide essential nutrients in forms that plants can readily utilize.

Phosphate in organic fertilizers often comes from the breakdown of phosphoric elements in these organic materials, making it inherently available for plant uptake. In contrast, inorganic fertilizers, which are manufactured synthetically from chemical processes, typically include phosphate as part of their nutrient formulation, but they do not contain the biological organic matter found in natural fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers are designed to provide nutrients over time but can be made from either organic or synthetic materials, potentially lacking the natural phosphate origin. Synthetic fertilizers may contain phosphates; however, they do not include the organic components that can enhance soil health and provide naturally available forms of nutrients.