Virtual phosphorus ore requirement of Japanese economy

摘要: Abstract Phosphorus is indispensable for agricultural production. Hence, the consumption of imported food indirectly implies import phosphorus resources. The global products depends on a small number ore-producing countries. For sustainable management resources, supply and demand network should be clarified. In this study, we propose virtual ore requirement as new indicator direct indirect requirements our society. indicates demands transformed into fertilizer. was evaluated Japanese economy in 2005. Importantly, results show that society requires twice much domestic fertilizer contained “eaten” only 12% requirement.