Towards optimal use of phosphorus fertiliser
Mart B H Ros1,2, Gerwin F Koopmans3, Kees Jan van Groenigen4
1Soil Chemistry and Chemical Soil Quality Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands. mart.ros@wur.nl.
Scientific Reports
|October 21, 2020
Summary
Optimizing phosphorus (P) fertilizer use in grasslands is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Applying P fertilizer is most effective in tropical regions, grass/legume mixtures, and specific soil pH ranges, especially in P-deficient soils.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) is a critical limiting nutrient in global agricultural systems.
- Declining P reserves necessitate more efficient P fertilizer utilization.
- Grasslands represent the most extensive agricultural land globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize yield responses to P fertilization in grasslands using meta-analysis.
- To identify conditions that maximize the effectiveness of P fertilization.
- To guide sustainable intensification of agricultural systems through optimized P use.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of yield responses to P fertilization in grasslands.
- Comparison of yield responses across different geographical regions, grassland types, and soil pH levels.
- Evaluation of agronomic efficiency of P fertilization at varying application rates.
Main Results:
- Yield responses to P fertilization were 40-100% higher in tropical regions compared to temperate regions.
- Grass/legume mixtures showed significantly higher yield responses than grass monocultures.
- Optimal yield responses were observed in soil pH range of 5-6.
- Agronomic efficiency decreased with increased P application rates.
- Soils with low P availability exhibited a disproportionately strong response to P fertilization.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing P fertilizer application is essential for sustainable agricultural intensification.
- Targeted P fertilization strategies, considering regional, botanical, and soil factors, can enhance crop yields.
- Lower P application rates on P-deficient soils yield greater absolute benefits than higher rates on P-sufficient soils.
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