MAP fertilizer is monoammonium phosphate, a granular phosphate fertilizer usually graded 11-52-0: 11% nitrogen and 52% phosphate (P2O5). It carries more phosphate per tonne than any other common granular fertilizer, which makes it the workhorse of phosphate programmes across the Americas.
MAP and DAP are close cousins. Both are made from phosphoric acid and ammonia. The difference is the amount of ammonia, and that small change affects how each behaves in the soil, which markets prefer it, and how buyers compare offers.
MAP at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Monoammonium phosphate (ammonium dihydrogen phosphate) |
| Formula | NH4H2PO4 |
| Typical grade | 11-52-0, with 10-50-0 and similar grades also traded |
| Form | Granular for soil use; purified crystalline grades (12-61-0) for fertigation |
| Soil reaction around the granule | Slightly acidic |
| Main uses | Basal phosphate for cereals, oilseeds, pasture and row crops; ingredient in bulk blends |
How MAP is made
Phosphate rock is treated with sulphuric acid to make phosphoric acid. The acid is then neutralised with ammonia. Using roughly one part ammonia to one part phosphoric acid gives MAP; using about twice as much ammonia gives DAP. The slurry is granulated, dried and screened.
Because MAP needs less ammonia per tonne, producers that are short of ammonia, or that sell into markets wanting more phosphate per tonne, often favour it.
MAP vs DAP: what is the difference?
| MAP | DAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical grade | 11-52-0 | 18-46-0 |
| Phosphate (P2O5) | Higher, about 52% | About 46% |
| Nitrogen | Lower, about 11% | About 18% |
| Soil reaction near the granule | Slightly acidic | Slightly alkaline |
| Ammonia release | Very little | Some free ammonia near the granule, which can harm seedlings if placed too close |
| Typical markets | Brazil, Canada, Australia, the USA, Argentina | India, Pakistan, the USA, Türkiye |
In practice, MAP is often preferred where fertilizer is placed with or near the seed, and on neutral to alkaline soils, where its slightly acidic reaction helps keep phosphate available. DAP carries more nitrogen, which suits programmes that want a starter dose of nitrogen with the phosphate. For DAP in detail, see our DAP 18-46-0 guide.
Which crops and soils suit MAP?
- Cereals and oilseeds: wheat, barley, canola and maize, often as a basal or seed-placed phosphate source.
- Pastures and forage: where phosphorus limits growth.
- Neutral to alkaline soils: the acidic zone around each granule helps phosphate stay available.
- Bulk blending: MAP’s grade and physical quality make it a common base for blends with urea and potash. See NPK ratios.
- Fertigation: purified, water-soluble MAP (12-61-0) is used in drip irrigation, but it is a separate, higher-priced product from granular MAP.
Rates always depend on a soil test and local agronomic advice.
Who exports and imports MAP?
According to UN Comtrade data for 2024 (HS 310540):
| Largest exporters, 2024 | Thousand tonnes |
|---|---|
| Morocco | 7,524 |
| Russia (partner-reported, a minimum) | 3,109 |
| China | 2,005 |
| United States | 1,852 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,424 |
| Largest importers, 2024 | Thousand tonnes |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 4,211 |
| Canada | 1,778 |
| Australia | 1,481 |
| United States | 1,084 |
| Argentina | 768 |
Morocco dominates both MAP and DAP exports. Brazil alone took about a third of reported MAP imports. For the full country data and verified producers, see the DAP and MAP suppliers database.
How MAP is traded
- Specification: total nitrogen and P2O5 as minimums, water-soluble P2O5, moisture, granule size and hardness.
- Packaging: bulk vessels for large importers, or 50 kg bags and 1,000 kg big bags.
- Terms: FOB, CFR or CIF, with independent inspection at loading.
- Price: MAP usually trades close to DAP, with its own premium or discount depending on the market and season. Use the DAP price page as a reference for the phosphate market.
Buying phosphate fertilizers through Agromer
Agromer has been an international commodity trader since 1985, based in Saint-Avertin, France. DAP is part of our regular fertilizer range, and we can look at MAP and other phosphate fertilizers on request. Tell us the grade, quantity, packaging and destination port, and we will check what we can offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is MAP fertilizer?
MAP is monoammonium phosphate, a granular phosphate fertilizer usually graded 11-52-0: 11% nitrogen and 52% phosphate (P2O5).
What is the difference between MAP and DAP?
MAP (11-52-0) has more phosphate and less nitrogen than DAP (18-46-0). MAP is slightly acidic around the granule; DAP is slightly alkaline and releases a little free ammonia.
Is MAP better than DAP?
Neither is better in every case. MAP suits seed-placed applications and neutral to alkaline soils and delivers more phosphate per tonne. DAP carries more nitrogen and is often traded in larger volumes.
What is 12-61-0 fertilizer?
It is purified, fully water-soluble monoammonium phosphate, used in fertigation. It is a different product from granular MAP 11-52-0 and costs more.
Which country exports the most MAP?
Morocco, which exported about 7.5 million tonnes of MAP in 2024, according to UN Comtrade.
Which countries import the most MAP?
Brazil was the largest importer in 2024 with about 4.2 million tonnes, followed by Canada, Australia, the United States and Argentina.