Phosphorus mirabilis: illuminating the past and future of phosphorus stewardship

Authors: JARVIE, HELEN - Centre For Ecology And Hydrology; SHARPLEY, ANDREW - University Of Arkansas; FLATEN, DON - University Of Manitoba; Kleinman, Peter

Submitted to: Journal of Environmental Quality
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2019
Publication Date: 8/27/2019
Citation: Jarvie, H., Sharpley, A., Flaten, D., Kleinman, P.J. 2019. Phosphorus mirabilis: illuminating the past and future of phosphorus stewardship. Journal of Environmental Quality. 48(3):1127-1132. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2019.07.0266.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2019.07.0266

Interpretive Summary: Phosphorus was the first element discovered with modern, scientific methods. Today, phosphorus fertilizer underpins the productivity of modern agriculture. In celebration of the 350th anniversary of the discovery of phosphorus, this paper summarizes a special issue of Journal of Environmental Quality that summarizes the state of the science of this essential element.

Technical Abstract: After its discovery in 1669, phosphorus (P) was named Phosphorus Mirabilis (‘the miraculous bearer of light’), arising from the chemoluminescence observed when highly-reactive elemental white P is exposed to the atmosphere. The metaphoric association between P and light has clear resonance through its history: from the discovery of P at the start of the Early Enlightenment Period; the vital role in photosynthetic capture of light in crop and food production; through to new technologies, which seek to capitalise on the interactions between novel ultrathin “2D” P allotropes and light, including for photocatalysis, solar energy production and storage. In this contribution, we ‘shine a spotlight’ on the historical and emerging challenges and opportunities in research and understanding of the agricultural, environmental and societal significance of this vital element, bringing together 23 paper contributions to a Special Section of Journal of Environmental Quality “Celebrating 350th Anniversary of the Discovery of Phosphorus: For Better or Worse”. We highlight the role of P in water-quality impairment and the variable successes in implementation of P mitigation measures. We reflect upon the need to improve P-use efficiency, and the kaleidoscope of challenges facing efficient use of P at global, regional and local scales. We discuss the requirement to focus on place-based solutions, for developing effective and lasting P management solutions, which consider local social, environmental, and economic conditions, and address both environmental and human health and wellbeing concerns. Finally we consider how cross-disciplinary collaborations in P stewardship offer a ‘guiding light’ for the future, and explore the ‘glimmers of hope’ for reconnecting our broken P cycle, and the ‘bright new horizons’ needed to ensure future food, water and bioresource security for growing global populations - under increasing pressures from climate change – but without compromising the quality and ecological of our water resources.