Phosphorus In Soils And Plants

Phosphorus (P) stands second to nitrogen in terms of its essentiality as a plant macronutrient, as well as due to its involvement in almost all plant developmental stages, primary and secondary plant metabolisms, maintenance of membrane structures, and in the structural skeleton of major biomolecules. An optimum P-supply also helps plants combat abiotic stress impacts. Most P in soil remains unavailable for uptake by plants. P-containing fertilizers are being added to agricultural lands to sustain high yields. Only the least amount of the applied P (20%–30%) is used by most cultivated plants, and the rest remains as legacy P (P surpluses), which eventually causes eutrophication. This book, Phosphorus in Soils and Plants, reviews P in soils and plants, P dynamics in the soil–water–sediment environment, the major roles of P in the photosynthetic dark phase-biochemical pathways, major approaches for the sustainable management of P in agriculture, main mechanisms underlying the role of P in the regulation of plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, literature on the role of microbial phosphate solubilization in management of soil and plant nutrients, and insights into P recovery through waste transformation. This volume is an important resource for plant biologists involved in teaching or research who wish to advance their knowledge of P in soils and plants.

Long-awaited second edition of classic textbook, brought completely up to date, for courses on tropical soils, and reference for scientists and professionals.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth. It is as phosphate that plants take up P from the soil solution. Since little phosphate is available to plants in most soils, plants have evolved a range of mechanisms to acquire and use P efficiently – including the development of symbiotic relationships that help them access sources of phosphorus beyond the plant’s own range. At the same time, in agricultural systems, applications of inorganic phosphate fertilizers aimed at overcoming phosphate limitation are unsustainable and can cause pollution. This latest volume in Springer’s Plant Ecophysiology series takes an in-depth look at these diverse plant-phosphorus interactions in natural and agricultural environments, presenting a series of critical reviews on the current status of research. In particular, the book presents a wealth of information on the genetic and phenotypic variation in natural plant ecosystems adapted to low P availability, which could be of particular relevance to developing new crop varieties with enhanced abilities to grow under P-limiting conditions. The book provides a valuable reference material for graduates and research scientists working in the field of plant-phosphorus interactions, as well as for those working in plant breeding and sustainable agricultural development.

World phosphate reserves and resources; The phosphate industry of the United States; Evaluation of phosphatic raw materials; Phosphate raw materials and fertilizers: part I - a look ahead; Phosphate raw materials and fertilizers: part II - a case history of marginal raw materials; Sulfur requirements of the phosphate fertilizer industry; Phosphoric acid technology; Phosphate fertilizers and process technology; World phosphate fertilizer supply-demand outlook; Energy requirements for the production of phosphate fertilizers; Energy of phosphate fertilizer applications and food energy returns; Reactions of phosphate fertilizers in soils; Agronomic effectiveness of phosphate fertilizers; Evaluation and utilization of residual phosphorus in soils; Use and limitations of physical-chemical criteria for assessing the status of phosphorus in soils; Assessing organic phosphorus in soils; Conventional soil and tissue tests for assessing the phosphorus status of soils; Management considerations for acid; Use of waste materials as sources of phosphorus; Agricultural phosphorus in the environment; Phosphate nutrition of plants - a general treatise; Soil-plant interactions in the phosphorus nutrition of plants; Role of rhizosphere microorganisms in phosphorus uptake by plants; Interactions of phosphorus with other elements in soils and in plants; Phosphate nutrition of corn, sorghum, soybeans, and small grains; Phosphorus nutrition of cotton, peanuts, rice, sugarcane, and tobacco; Phosphorus nutrition of vegetable crops and sugar beets; Phosphorus nutrition and fertilization of forest trees; Phosphorus nutrition of forages; Relationship between phosphorus nutrition of plants and the phosphorus nutrition of animals and man.

Growing for 100 - the complete year-round guide for the small-scale market grower. Across North America, an agricultural renaissance is unfolding. A growing number of market gardeners are emerging to feed our appetite for organic, regional produce. But most of the available resources on food production are aimed at the backyard or hobby gardener who wants to supplement their family's diet with a few homegrown fruits and vegetables. Targeted at serious growers in every climate zone, Sustainable Market Farming is a comprehensive manual for small-scale farmers raising organic crops sustainably on a few acres. Informed by the author's extensive experience growing a wide variety of fresh, organic vegetables and fruit to feed the approximately one hundred members of Twin Oaks Community in central Virginia, this practical guide provides: Detailed profiles of a full range of crops, addressing sowing, cultivation, rotation, succession, common pests and diseases, and harvest and storage Information about new, efficient techniques, season extension, and disease resistant varieties Farm-specific business skills to help ensure a successful, profitable enterprise Whether you are a beginning market grower or an established enterprise seeking to improve your skills, Sustainable Market Farming is an invaluable resource and a timely book for the maturing local agriculture movement.