The importance of Phosphorus (P) in agriculture

Let’s discuss about phosphorus, one of the most essential elements in the growth and development of the plant. A macronutrient that stands out for its important properties, both in terms of quantitative and qualitative yield.

Phosphorus (P)

A macronutrient, phosphorus (P) is irreplaceable and is fundamental for the growth and a balanced development of plants: present both in inorganic and organic form, it is a very stable element, and therefore characterized by an extremely low solubility.

The amount of phosphorus that the plant is able to absorb depends on several factors, such as the characteristics of the soil (i.e., pH), the type of culture and climatic conditions.

What is the use of phosphorus in fertilizer?

Phosphorus plays fundamental functions for the development of the plant, having a primary role in the mechanisms of energy transfer. We could summarize its important potential in this way:

1. promotes the development of the root system,
2. it favours the tillering,
3. promotes the vertical position thus decreasing the chances of lodging, and consequently increasing the resistance to stress
4. promotes the stages of flowering and ripening of the fruits.

Phosphorus deficiency

Is phosphorus deficiency visible in plants? Partly yes. In fact, the first symptoms of deficiency are traceable in the older leaves, which tend to take a reddish colour.

There are other consequences of phosphorus deficiency. A lack of presence or poor absorption can have repercussions in the early stages of plant development:

1. slow and stunted growth,
2. low quality of seeds,
3. limited root development,
4. delay in the formation of buds and flowering.

The excess of phosphorus

The excess of phosphorus also has negative effects on the plant. In fact, an excess of the macronutrient is detrimental to development, in fact inhibits the absorption of other micronutrients.

The lack of synergy, therefore, does nothing but increase the nutritional deficiencies of the plant.

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