Fertilizing plants with phosphorus
Fertilizing plants with phosphorus – what species of plants and when is it best?
What functions does phosphorus serve and what real benefits does fertilizing with a phosphorus-based product provide?
The effect of soil pH on the presence and uptake of phosphorus
Fertilizing plants with phosphorus and forms of application
Fertilizing plants with phosphorus - what species of plants and when is it best?
Fertilizer manufacturers have taken into account plants’ need for phosphorus and have given us the opportunity to purchase fertilizers that contain this element as the active substance. By fertilizing plants with phosphorus, we strengthen their root system by improving the quality of the soil. If we use a phosphorus-based fertilizer in our garden, we can be sure that we will also positively affect the flowering process. Fruiting and seed production will also be healthy and effective thanks to phosphorus nourishment. For example, for fruit growers, it will also translate into efficiency. We should fertilize plants with phosphorus in the run-up to autumn to give them strength before the winter cold. The species of plants that we should fertilize are mainly ornamental trees and shrubs in our home gardens, as well as fruit trees in orchards.
What functions does phosphorus serve and what real benefits does fertilizing with a phosphorus-based product provide?
From a chemical point of view, phosphorus is a leading macronutrient that is actively involved in maintaining a well-functioning energy economy. This element is a building block of cell walls, as well as a component of a large amount of enzymes and proteins. The plant species we have listed above usually have periods when the demand for phosphorus is elevated. The greatest demand for this microelement appears at the very beginning of vegetation, during flowering and fruiting, as well as at the very end of vegetation. Then we also notice the symptoms of deficiency. These are most often underdeveloped and small plants, as well as the appearance of black and purple spots on the leaves. Subsequently, such leaves curl up ugly and eventually fall off. Fruit trees affected by phosphorus deficiency usually produce poor yields and their fruit is unpalatable.
The effect of soil pH on the presence and uptake of phosphorus
Plants grown on soils characterized by an acid-base imbalance, i.e. with too high or too low pH, are most exposed to phosphorus deficiencies. Soil that is too compact and poorly watered is also not conducive to phosphorus uptake. Therefore, it is worth examining the reaction of our substrate to possibly take acidification measures (e.g. by using ammonium sulphate) or justifying it (e.g. by liming). Importantly, the uptake of phosphorus by plants does not take place in pure form. In the soil, phosphorus is present in compounds with other macro and microelements. We mean calcium, iron, aluminum or magnesium. Phosphorus itself is therefore one of the elements that is quite difficult to absorb, so let’s take care of the factors that increase the likelihood of its assimilation. Good soil moisture and balanced pH increase the chances of assimilating this valuable element.
Fertilizing plants with phosphorus and forms of application
In order to provide plants with an optimal supply of phosphorus, we should regularly supplement the soil with fertilizers that contain phosphorus compounds. The most popular are granulated fertilizers in large packages, which are usually purchased by multi-area farmers. Fertilizer manufacturers, with the owners of small plots and gardens in mind, also distribute the fertilizer in small packages. It is worth carefully reading the composition given on the label to properly select the proportions of minerals that our plants need. Let us remember, for example, that when phosphorizing the substrate in autumn, our fertilizer should be nitrogen-free. In this way, we will not unnecessarily expose the plants to growth at this time of year. To implement the right fertilizer, you need to be flexible in thinking to take into account all the pros and cons of using a specific preparation. Choosing the right fertilizer mixture for our needs will not be so difficult if we devote some time to education in this area.