We Keep Feeding the Soil. We Should Be Unlocking It | Opinion
Summary
Phosphorus applied to farms can bind to soil minerals and become difficult for crops to absorb, even as reserves build up over time. The article describes soil microbes and enzymes as a possible way to make some phosphorus more available, while noting that any practical treatment would need independent testing in real farm conditions.Key Facts
- Phosphorus supports plant energy transfer, root growth, and crop reproduction.
- Some applied phosphorus binds to soil minerals and becomes less accessible to plant roots.
- Accumulated phosphorus that crops cannot readily use is often called legacy phosphorus.
- The article cites research published in Soil and Tillage Research on residual phosphorus in agricultural soils.
- Some soil bacteria produce phytase, an enzyme that can release phosphate from phytate, an organic form of phosphorus.
- The author says work involving more than 10,000 microbial strains identified a soil-derived bacterial isolate with phytase-like activity.
- The article says the isolate's practical value would require independent validation and testing under agricultural conditions.
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