>ROLE OF PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus aids in strong root development and bloom production.

Phosphorus is a much-needed element for plant development and growth. Each nutrient in the soil helps to satisfy one of the plant's needs; phosphorus is no different. Phosphorus aids in the development of strong, healthy roots and as such is often sold at transplanting time. Some high-phosphorus fertilizers are known as "root-stimulating" fertilizers for this reason. Phosphorus also aids in the development of seeds, buds and blooms and therefore is excellent for flowers, fruits and fruiting vegetables. Phosphorus is the middle number in the N-P-K rating, or three-digit number, on the package of fertilizer.

The Importance Of Phosphorus:

The function of phosphorus in plants is very important. It helps a plant convert other nutrients into usable building blocks with which to grow. Phosphorus is one of the main three nutrients most commonly found in fertilizers and is the “P” in the NPK balance that is listed on fertilizers. Phosphorus is essential to a plant’s growth, but what does it mean if you have high phosphorus in your soil, or a phosphorus deficiency? Keep reading to learn more about the importance of phosphorus in plant growth. Phosphorus Deficiency in the Soil How can you tell if your garden has a phosphorus deficiency? The easiest way to tell is to look at the plants. If your plants are small, are producing little or no flowers, have weak root systems or a bright green or purplish cast, you have a phosphorus deficiency. Since most plants in the garden are grown for their flowers or fruit, replacing phosphorus in the soil if it is lacking is very important. There are many chemical fertilizers that can help you with replacing phosphorus and getting a good nutrient balance in your soil. When using chemical fertilizers, you will want to look for fertilizers that have a high “P” value (the second number in the fertilizer rating N-P-K). If you would like to correct your soil’s phosphorus deficiency using organic fertilizer, try using bone meal or rock phosphate. These both can help with replacing phosphorus in the soil. Sometimes, simply adding compost to the soil can help plants be better able to take up the phosphorus that is already in the soil, so consider trying that before you add anything else. Regardless of how you go about replacing phosphorus in the soil, be sure not to overdo it. Extra phosphorus can run off into the water supply and become a major pollutant. High Phosphorus in Your Soil It’s very difficult for a plant to get too much phosphorus due to the fact that it’s difficult for plants to absorb phosphorus in the first place. There’s no understating the importance of phosphorus in plant growth. Without it, a plant simply cannot be healthy. The basic function of phosphorus makes it possible to have beautiful and abundant plants in our gardens.

Organic Phosphorus Sources:
• Several organic sources of phosphorus are commercially available. Among these is fish bonemeal or other bonemeal, made from the crushed bones of various animals. Bonemeal often has an extremely high percentage of phosphorus, from 11 percent to 18 percent, and sometimes even more. Various types of guano are also high in phosphorus. Vermicompost is high in both nitrogen and phosphorus. Vermicompost is manure that has been digested by worms. While this reduces the volume, it adds microbial diversity, a plus when amending your soil due to the increased microbial activity.

Inorganic Sources:
• Rock phosphate is another source of phosphorus and is mined within the United States. Rock phosphate has a high percentage of phosphorus, typically 8 percent to 20 percent. Nurseries and big-box stores also sell root-stimulating fertilizers high in phosphorus, as well as fertilizers with names like "Bud and Bloom Booster."

Types of Fertilizers:

Either liquid and dry fertilizers are can be added to soil to boost the phosphorus content. Plants will absorb the phosphorus from both fertilizer types, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Granular fertilizers are composed of small granules that are typically raked into the soil around the plant and then watered in. Liquid fertilizers are often mixed with water and poured around the drip line of the plant.

Similar to most things, too much of a good thing applies to phosphorus. Too much phosphorus can greatly damage the plant by making it difficult for the plant to absorb various other nutrients. Phosphorus is also a main suspect in various environmental problems, especially those concerning bodies of water. It can promote the growth of dangerous algae to the point of inflicting illness and even death to animals. Because of this, only add phosphorus when needed. Having a soil test performed on your soil to see which nutrients are lacking is one way to know how much phosphorus to add.