Low-molecular-weight organic acids found in soil can help release phosphorus from phosphate rocks. Citric acid is the most effective at releasing phosphorus. The release of phosphorus is influenced by the acidity of the organic acids and the stability of iron-organic acid complexes. Increasing the concentration of organic acids boosts phosphorus release. Phenolic compounds can further enhance phosphorus release from iron phosphate. The initial pH of the solution has a bigger impact on phosphorus release from phosphate rocks than from iron phosphate.