Soil Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, but global population growth has dramatically reduced the availability of phosphorus fertilizer resources. Despite this scarcity, there remain numerous problems associated with the excessive and inappropriate use of phosphorus leading to non-point source pollution and eutrophication of natural waters. Identifying appropriate systems for managing soil phosphorus and reducing the risks of eutrophication are needed to minimize the environmental risks. This book focuses on the availability and recycling of phosphorus; regulatory and policy issues of sustainable phosphorus use; and water quality management in agroecosystems pertaining to phosphorus. Sections are dedicated to global phosphorus reserves; cycling and pathways of phosphorus; phosphorus in agriculture; human dimensions and policy intervention; and research and development priorities.Phosphorus is a finite but crucial resource and is an essential element to all life. Sub-optimal availability and nutrient imbalance in the root zone can adversely impact plant growth, and the quality of food and feed grown on these soils. However, the proven reserves of phosphorus can hardly be adequate for a few centuries only. Yet, its misuse and mismanagement has caused severe problems of eutrophication of water and pollution of the environment. Thus, judicious management of soil phosphorus is essential. This volume is specifically devoted to availability and recycling of phosphorus, regulatory/policy issues of sustainable use of phosphorus, and management in agroecosystems in the context of maximizing the use efficiency and minimizing the environmental risks of water quality.

The Global Phosphorus CycleGabriel M. FilippelliPositive and Negative Effects of Phosphorus Fertilizer on U.S. Agriculture and the EnvironmentB. A. Stewart, Pramod Pokhrel, and Mahendra BhandariCoupled Cycling of Carbon, Nitrogen, and PhosphorusDaniel Sebastian GollPhosphorus in Soil and Plant in Relation to Human Nutrition and HealthRajendra Prasad, Samendra Prasad, and Rattan LalPhosphorus ManagementRajendra Prasad, Yashvir Singh Shivay, Kaushik Majumdar, and Samendra PrasadPhosphorus Effluxes from Lake SedimentsSergei KatsevEconomic and Policy Issues of Phosphorus Management in AgroecosystemsOtto C. Doering IIIPhosphorus Fertilization and Management in Soils of Sub- Saharan AfricaAndrew J. Margenot, Bal R. Singh, Idupulapati M. Rao, and Rolf SommerPhosphorus and the EnvironmentRattan LalEnhancing Efficiency of Phosphorus Fertilizers through Formula ModificationsRuiqiang Liu and Rattan LalSoil Phosphorus Cycling in Tropical Soils: An Ultisol and Oxisol PerspectiveSasha C. Reed and Tana E. WoodThe Use of Phosphorus Radioisotopes to Investigate Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and Cycling in Soil–Plant SystemsLong Nguyen, Felipe Zapata, and Joseph Adu-GyamfiPathways and Fate of Phosphorus in AgroecosystemsRattan Lal

Rattan Lal, Ph.D, is professor of soil physics and director of the Carbon Management & Sequestration Center at Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. B.A. Stewart, Ph.D, is distinguished professor of agriculture and director of the Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, USA.