Back 2 Basics
A Video Series from AgroLiquid
Phosphorus


Phosphorus is one of the primary nutrients critical to growing a successful crop. It plays a key role in root development, helping plants establish a strong root system essential for nutrient uptake, water absorption, and overall crop standability.
Early Application and Efficient Placement
Because phosphorus doesn’t move readily in the soil, proper placement and early-season application are vital. Most phosphorus uptake occurs early in the plant’s life cycle, so getting it into the soil where roots can access it maximizes its effectiveness and your return on investment.
Phosphorus Chemistry and Availability
Plants absorb phosphorus mainly in the form of orthophosphate. However, orthophosphate is chemically reactive and can be tied up by calcium and magnesium in the soil, making it unavailable to plants. Minimizing contact between phosphorus and these cations—while keeping phosphorus close enough for plant uptake—improves efficiency and allows for lower phosphorus application rates.
Balancing Phosphorus and Other Nutrients
Excess phosphorus can reduce zinc availability, which may require adjustments in fertility programs. Additionally, environmental considerations make it important to use protected phosphorus forms to reduce runoff and waterway contamination. Even with adequate soil phosphorus levels, early-season starter or pop-up fertilizers can provide immediate availability when the soil temperature limits phosphorus uptake. This early boost supports a strong start, which contributes to better crop health and yield at harvest.