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Title: WHAT LIMITS PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER EFFICIENCY?

Author
item Kovar, John

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2005
Publication Date: 11/10/2005
Citation: Kovar, J.L. 2005. What limits phosphorus fertilizer efficiency [CD-ROM]? In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts, Nov. 6-10, 2005, Salt Lake City, UT.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Due to the complexity of the plant-soil system, phosphorus (P) fertilizer efficiency will vary with the crop being grown, and the environment in which the crop is grown. In general, added P must increase the soil supply of P to roots, and the root system must be able to take advantage of the increase, for P fertilizer to be effective. Optimum placement of added P improves utilization by the crop root system, which sets the stage for maximum yields. Therefore, proper placement of fertilizer P in soil is just as important as choosing the correct amount to apply. The information in this presentation will provide a brief overview of soil P supply, factors affecting root growth, P uptake by roots, and finally, the relationship of these soil and plant processes to P fertilizer efficiency.