Phosphorus Management in High‐Yield Systems. Issue 5 (12th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hopkins, Bryan G.; Hansen, Neil C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Environmental Quality. Volume 48:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 1265
• Page End: 1280
• Publication Date: 2019-09-12
• Subjects: APP, ammonium polyphosphate -- DAP, diammonium phosphate -- EEF, enhanced efficiency fertilizer -- MAP, monoammonium phosphate -- NDVI, normalized difference vegetative index -- OM, organic matter -- PUE, phosphorus use efficiency -- STP, soil test phosphorus -- VRF, variable rate fertilization; Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.2134/jeq2019.03.0130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2425

Abstract

Abstract : The discovery and development of phosphorus (P) and P fertilizers provide context for current management conventions. Average crop yields were stagnant before the Green Revolution but have steadily increased since. This, along with conventional P management, has resulted in widely depleting soil P levels. Improved technology and management are needed to meet the increasing P demand. Modern hybrids and cultivars have different P demand and uptake patterns that require changes in conventional P fertilizer placement and timing. Phosphorus fertilizer recommendations based on soil analysis remains valid, but evidence suggests a need for recalibrating soil test P (STP) critical levels (the STP concentration at which a response to P fertilizer would not be expected) and P fertilizer rates to accommodate high‐yield scenarios. Considering higher P fertilizer rates as a single solution poses environmental challenges, highlighting the need for improved P use efficiency (PUE). Phosphorus fertilization approaches that have the potential to improve PUE and enable high yields include crop‐specific precision placement of P, informed timing of P fertilizers, and new enhanced efficiency sources of P fertilizer. This paper examines these management approaches from historical, production, and environmental perspectives in modern cropping systems. Core Ideas: History of P fertilization illuminates traditional soil P management and needed changes. Recalibration of STP and P fertilizer recommendations are needed to match increasing yield and rates of P uptake. Environmental concerns and diminishing P supply necessitate improvement in P use efficiency. Placement and timing are improved through understanding of variable rooting patterns. Enhanced efficiency P fertilizers can be effective if applied correctly.