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Phosphorus (or “P”) is an essential element for all forms of life.
Phosphorus in the earth’s crust is mostly contained in soils and sediments. Soils contain both organic and inorganic P containing compounds. Phosphorus reactions in soils can be quite complex. Crops take up dissolved inorganic P from soil water, and because soil solution P concentration is usually very low it must be continually replenished over the life of the plant to meet P demands. Phosphate fertilizer application is necessary where soil phosphorus reserves are insufficient or unable to maintain adequate solution concentrations for crop production.

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth and function and no other nutrient can be substituted for it. Phosphorus is involved in photosynthesis, respiration, energy storage and transfer, cell division, cell enlargement, and several other processes in the plant. It promotes early root formation and growth. Phosphorus improves the quality of fruit, vegetable, and grain crops and is vital to seed formation. It is involved in the transfer of hereditary traits from one generation to the next. It helps roots and seedlings to develop more rapidly and improves winter hardiness. An adequate P supply can increase water use efficiency, contributes to disease resistance in some plants, and hastens maturity important to harvest and crop quality. Perhaps the most noted function of P in plants is in energy storage and transfer. Orthophosphate is at the base of almost every metabolic reaction in plants, and P either directly or indirectly affects all biological processes.

About 80% of the P in animal bodies is contained in the skeleton. Its major role (along with calcium “Ca”) is as a constituent of bones and teeth. The remainder is widely distributed throughout the body in combination with proteins and fats and as inorganic salts. Phosphorus is present in every living cell and is essential in energy transfer and utilization. Calcium and P are closely associated in animal nutrition. A liberal supply of Ca and P are essential for lactation; these two elements make up about 50% of milk ash. Young and developing animals which are gestating and lactating need more P than other classes of mature animals.

Phosphates are formed from ancient marine fossils and must be mined from an ore, which usually contains multiple trace elements, such as rare earth. It is a non-renewal resource with reserves limited to a small number of countries. It is essential for crop development and helps crops withstand adverse weather. In order to convert fallow land into arable land, phosphate must be added to the soil. Failure to add phosphate to the soil at growth stage cannot be remedied in the future.

Food and industrial applications 9% of total consumption:

Animal nutrition 6% of total consumption: Major structural component of bones and teeth Essential for transfer and utilization of energy in body cells Important for lactating animals