The primary use of phosphate minerals in the U.S. is for fertilizer production, as they are a key component of plant nutrients.

Because they are abundant in vital nutrients like phosphorus, which is required for plant growth, phosphate minerals are mostly used in the United States for the creation of fertilizer. To increase crop yields and enhance soil quality, phosphates are a key component of superphosphate fertilizers and other agricultural fertilizers. In places like Florida and Idaho, phosphate rock is mined and turned into several kinds of fertilizer. One of the "big three" nutrients in fertilizers—along with nitrogen and potassium—phosphorus is necessary for both agricultural productivity and healthy plant growth.