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Phosphorus is the third most limiting nutrient with respect to macronutrient uptake. Nitrogen and potassium are the only other essential plant food nutrients taken up in greater quantities and the potential and occurrence for phosphorus deficiency is second only to nitrogen.
Phosphorus plays a vital role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, nutrient transport, sugar metabolism, plant genetics, cell division and as a structural component of the plant.
Crops with adequate phosphorus show steady vigorous growth and earlier maturity. Earlier maturing crops are less susceptible to summer drought, disease infection, frost and harvest damage.
Plants absorb soil solution phosphorus in both the H2PO4-1 and HPO4-2 forms.
- Soil test to estimate the soil’s ability to supply phosphorus.
- Place phosphate close to the seed in cool, moist soil conditions to improve uptake and encourage healthy root development.
- Seed place or band phosphate to reduce soil contact and increase crop uptake.
- Dual band nitrogen and phosphate to improve phosphorus uptake.
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