Analysis of Soil Phosphorus and Fertilizer Application in Soil Science

This report delves into the critical role of phosphorus in soil science, emphasizing its importance for plant nutrition and various metabolic processes. It explores the forms of phosphorus found in soil, both mineral and organic, and discusses the equilibrium between soil and phosphorus solutions. The report highlights the factors influencing phosphorus availability, such as soil pH and the presence of minerals like aluminum, iron, and calcium. It also addresses the symptoms of phosphorus deficiency in plants and examines the significance of optimal fertilizer application rates for achieving maximum yield while minimizing costs. Furthermore, the report differentiates between various fertilizer types, including nitrogenous, sulphate, and phosphate fertilizers, and their specific applications for root development and leaf growth. The document concludes by stressing the importance of realistic goals and appropriate tools for maximizing yield through effective fertilizer management. Desklib offers a wealth of resources, including past papers and solved assignments, to aid students in their studies.

SOIL SCIENCE
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Phosphorus in the soil
Phosphorus is a macro-element that is essentially required for plant nutrition. Phosphorus assists
in the metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, energy transfer and in the synthesis and
during carbohydrates breakdown. Phosphorus is found in soil as a mineral as well as an organic
compound. However the amount of phosphorus readily available in the soil cannot meet the total
amount of phosphorus needed in the soil thus in various cases, phosphorus is added to the soil.
The phosphorus reaction in the soil
Phosphorus in the soil is identified in an organic form and as a mineral though has high soil
solubility and equilibrium has been found between the soil and solution of phosphorus in the soil.
The soil phosphorus is a stable chemical compound therefore plant takes a small amount of
phosphorus which has dissolved in the soil. Plants take phosphorus from the soil and for the
stability of the equilibrium to be maintained some phosphorus are absorbed into the soil in the
solid form (Rattan Lal, 2016). The determination of the phosphorus compound is done by
confirming the soil pH and the type and amount of minerals such as aluminum, iron, manganese
and calcium in the soil. These mineral react with soil acid while the soil alkaline dominate the
fixation with calcium of the pH
Phosphorus deficiency
The symptoms of phosphorus deficiency are shown in plant such is stunted growth and the dark
purple color of older leaves and also inhibits flowering and the root system. However these
results are only seen when phosphorus concentration in the soil is below 0.2%.

Optimum Rates of Fertilizer Application
Farmers’ need of achieving maximum yield from a minimum cost of production can be only
achieved when they check on the soil properties, irrigation, genetics, climate, cultural practices
pest and diseases control and applications of fertilizers. The farmer gets a minimum yield when
there is no fertilizer used, though when the fertilizer is applied a maximum yield is obtained but
the addition of fertilizer continually does not lead to an all yield increase, some plants increase in
yield while others do not thus indicating that not all plants need the same amount of fertilizer
owing to the fact when the rate of application is very high, the soil salinity is damaged and some
specific nutrient is toxicity leading to low yield. Therefore it can be concluded that different
plants need different application rates of fertilizer (Rattan Lal, 2016).
The right fertilizer application rates for economic yield
All farmers work for a good yield therefore it important that the goals set should be realistic and
achievable and that right application of fertilizer and the appropriate tools used for the achieving
maximum yield (Rattan Lal, 2016). The fertilizers have different behavior since they are applied
at different rates some are nitrogenous while others made are of sulphate, others phosphorus
while others phosphate. Their uses by the farmer also differ with some used for planting which
facilitates the ensuring aft root development and others are add during top dressing to facilitate
the development of leaves.

References
Bünemann, E. K. (2010). Phosphorus in Action: Biological Processes in Soil Phosphorus Cyclin.
Oxford: Springer Science & Business Media.
Rattan Lal, B. S. (2016). Soil Phosphorus. London: CRC Press.