All plants require phosphorus for adequate growth.
Plants require phosphorus in large amounts for adequate growth. A plant deficient in phosphorus will show stunted growth or leaf browning that spreads upward on the plant. To prevent phosphorus deficiency, fertilizer is applied to young plants while they are experiencing rapid growth. The species of plant being grown will dictate the amount, concentration and form of phosphorus necessary.
Role
Phosphorus is a necessary component of plant growth and photosynthesis. It is critical during the synthesis of DNA. It stores cellular energy in the form of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These energy stores are vital to the intracellular transportation of nutrients across cell walls as well as in the production of proteins and nucleic acids.
Growth
Adding extra phosphorous to the soil around plants early in their life cycle ensures that they will have adequate phosphorous for root growth as well as stalk strength. It also allows plants to grow rapidly and mature earlier.
Form
Fertilizers are available in both liquid and dry form. Determining which form is most favorable for a specific task depends upon factors such as the application method, climatic conditions, characteristics of root growth and soil type.
Manufacturing
Phosphorus fertilizer is produced through a series of chemical reactions. First, phosphoric acid is produced by treating naturally occurring rock phosphate in either a wet or a dry process. During the dry process the rock phosphate is heated in an electric furnace. This process is costly and produces a pure phosphoric acid, commonly called white or furnace acid. The wet process involves adding acid to the rock phosphate. This process produces phosphoric acid and a by-product called gypsum, which is later removed. Although more costly than organic sources of phosphorus, a benefit of manufactured phosphorus fertilizer is the predictable levels of phosphorus.
Organic Sources
Organic phosphorus sources have been utilized for hundreds of years. These organic sources include animal manures and sewage sludge. While organic phosphorus fertilizer is readily available and inexpensive, the phosphorus levels are largely variable.
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