PHOSPHORUS

PHOSPHORUS
In the tropics, phosphorus is
often the most limiting plant
nutrient.
• This is primarily due to the
challenges in the
management of phosphorus.
• In plants, the concentration
of phosphorus ranges from
0.1-0.5%.
PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is a chemical element
with the symbol P and atomic
number 15. It is a highly reactive
nonmetal, which exists in two
main forms, white phosphorus
and red phosphorus. It is found in
many minerals, mainly in the
form of phosphate ions.
Chemical
Characteristics
Phosphorus has five valence
electrons, and it is highly reactive
due to its tendency to form strong
covalent bonds with other
elements. It is a non-metal and has
a low melting and boiling point. It is
essential for life and is a critical
component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.
Forms and
Availability in Soil
Phosphorus exists in soil in various forms, including organic
and inorganic.

• Organic phosphorus is found in plant and animal

residues, while inorganic phosphorus is in the form of
phosphate ions.

• The availability of phosphorus in soil is affected by

various factors, including soil pH, moisture content,
and temperature.

• The orthophosphates, H2PO4- and HPO42-, are the

primary forms of phosphorus taken up by plants.

• When the soil pH is less than 7.0, H 2PO4- is the

predominate form in the soil.

• Although less common, certain organic phosphorus

forms can also be directly taken up by plants.
Absorption
• Plant roots absorb phosphorus from the soil
solution.

• In general, roots absorb phosphorus in the form of

orthophosphate, but can also absorb certain forms
of organic phosphorus.

• Phosphorus moves to the root surface through

diffusion.

• However, the presence of mycorrhizal fungi, which

develop a symbiotic relationship with plant roots
and extend threadlike hyphae into the soil, can
enhance the uptake of phosphorus, as well
especially in acidic soils that are low in phosphorus.
Materials to be Used to
Improved Phosphorus
Various materials can be used to
improve phosphorus availability in
soil, including organic fertilizers,
compost, and phosphate rock.
These materials provide a slow-
release of phosphorus, ensuring
that plants can access it over an
extended period.
Trace the Element in the Soil;
When It Is Absorbed
• Plant roots absorb phosphorus from the soil solution. In
comparison to other macronutrients, the phosphorus
concentration in the soil solution is much lower and ranges
from 0.001 mg/L to 1 mg/L (Brady and Weil, 2002).

• In general, roots absorb phosphorus in the form of

orthophosphate, but can also absorb certain forms of
organic phosphorus. Phosphorus moves to the root surface
through diffusion.

• However, the presence of mycorrhizal fungi, which develop a

symbiotic relationship with plant roots and extend threadlike
hyphae into the soil, can enhance the uptake of phosphorus,
as well especially in acidic soils that are low in phosphorus.
 Phosphate at Cellular Level
Phosphorus plays a critical role in cellular metabolism,
including energy production, cell signaling, and DNA
synthesis. It is a component of ATP, the primary energy
currency of the cell.

Phosphorus is involved in many plant processes, including:

• Energy transfer reactions

• Development of reproductive structures

• Crop maturity

• Root growth

• Protein synthesis
Management of Phosphorus –
P-fixation
P-fixation is a term that is used to describe both P-sorption and P precipitation. Since both P-
sorption and P precipitation reduce phosphorus availability, a soil with a great P-fixation capacity
has less available phosphorus after fertilization than a soil with a low P-fixation capacity.

In other words, when the same amount of fertilizer is applied to a volcanic soil and a moderately
weathered grassland soil, the volcanic soil has less P available due to its greater P-fixation capacity.
How Much is
Present in the Plant
• Consists of 0.15% to 1.00% of the dry weight of most plants with sufficiency values from 0.20% to 0.40% in recently mature leaf tissue, where
it is primarily a component of tissue molecules such as nucleic acids, phospholipids, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). After nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P) is the second most limiting nutrient. It can reduce plant growth and development and potentially limit crop yield.

• Critical values for P are normally less than 0.20% (when deficient) and greater than 1.00% (when in excess).

• Content in leaves tends to decrease with age.

• Highest concentration found in new leaves and their petioles.

• High-yielding crops contain from 15 to 75 lbs P/A (17 to 84 kg P/ha).

• Amount of P present when crops are harvested will be considerably less for grain crops when only the grain is removed, leaving behind most
of the P in the remainder of the plant.

• Soluble P (in 2% acetic acid) present as the orthophosphate (PO43–) anion in main stems and leaf petioles of the actively growing portions of
the plant, ranges from 100 to 5,000 ppm of the dry weight and can be used to evaluate the P status of the plant; critical concentrations occur
at approximately 2,500 ppm.
How Much is
Needed by the Plant
• Plants require varying amounts of phosphorus depending on the crop species, soil
type, and climate. In general, phosphorus is required in large amounts during the
early growth stages of plants.
 How Much is Required by the Plant
• Plants require varying amounts of phosphorus depending on the crop species, soil type, and climate. In
general, phosphorus is required in large amounts during the early growth stages of plants.
Deficiency symptoms:
• Slow-growing, weak, and stunted plants that may
be dark green in color with older leaves showing a
purple pigmentation are symptomatic of P
deficiency.
• Being fairly mobile in the plant, P-deficiency
symptoms initially occur in the older tissue.
Excess (toxicity) symptoms:
• An excess of P appears mainly in the form of a micronutrient deficiency,
with either Fe or Zn being the first elements to be affected.
• High P content may also interfere with the normal metabolism of the
plant.
• Leaf contents of P greater than 1.00% are generally considered toxic.
• List of P-containing chemical fertilizers is given in Table 19.1.
• P-containing fertilizers vary considerably in their water solubility, which
can affect crop response.
• Method of application (broadcast versus row) will also influence
availability as applied P can be readily fixed into unavailable forms by
elements (Al) and other substances in the soil.
• P accumulation in cropland soils above that needed by most crop plants
is becoming a potential source of water pollution when either leached
or carried in eroded soil materials into ground and surface waters.
RECENT PUBLICATION
• One recent publication related to the use of phosphorus is " Phosphorus management issues for

crop production: A review T. Mardamootoo , C. C. du Preez * and J. H. Barnard in 2021.

• In this article, the focus is on phosphorus (P) and its role as a vital nutrient for plant growth. As the

article points out, low solubility of P in soil can create significant challenges for crop productivity,

and therefore, P fertilization is an essential aspect of nutrient management plans. However, the

availability of P for plants is controlled by a range of complex processes, including sorption,

desorption, and precipitation of P from minerals and applied P.

• The article also provides a comprehensive overview of the various forms of P in soils, their

availability, and cycling. Plant and soil testing is highlighted as a crucial tool for assessing plant

nutrient status, which is essential for effective nutrient management.

• One exciting area of research covered in the article is microbial P solubilization, which holds

tremendous promise as a way to reduce reliance on expensive mineral fertilizers. The article

recommends the use of P as biofertilizers, which could have a significant impact on the

sustainability and profitability of crop production.

• Overall, the article provides a clear and concise overview of the importance of P in agriculture, the

challenges associated with its low solubility, and the potential solutions offered by recent research.