Adequate phosphorus (P) is necessary for higher yields and improved
grain quality. Phosphorus is often referred to as “the energizer” for its role in
converting the sun’s energy into food, fuel and fiber. Some of the benefits that
phosphorus provides growing plants with are improved root growth, earlier
maturity of grain, higher crop quality, better water use efficiency and increased
yields.
The amount of phosphorus needed is dependent on existing soil levels.
Yield losses can be severe as the soil P levels drop below 20 ppm, which is the
critical level for phosphorus in the soil. For example, a field testing 10 ppm that
did not receive phosphorous fertilizer would be expected to yield 80 percent of
a field that was above the critical level. It is important to note that it takes
approximately 18 pounds of P2O5 to raise soil test levels 1 ppm.
Adequate phosphorus absolutely contributes to a balanced soil fertility
program. In corn, without phosphorus fertilizer added, research shows that
adding more nitrogen fertilizer may dramatically increase soil nitrate levels that
are subject to loss due to leaching. In contrast, where phosphorus fertilizers
were added, the corn crop utilized the additional nitrogen added and soil nitrate
levels only increased moderately with increases in nitrogen applied.
In addition, phosphorus plays a key role in photosynthesis, the
metabolism of sugars, energy storage and transfer, cell division, cell
enlargement and the transfer of genetic information. It is a vital component of a
balanced soil fertility program.
For more information on proper soil fertility, visit www.back-to-basics.net
or call your local IFA Crop Advisor or the IFA Agronomy Center nearest you.

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