Why Plants Need Phosphorus
Phosphorus is one of the three macronutrients essential for plant growth. It is required for the photosynthesis process, converting the sun’s energy into food for the plant. It is also required for strong root development. A plant must be able to access phosphorus to ensure a healthy growing cycle. Because of its importance in crop nutrition, more information on phosphorus and its role in plant health is readily available here.
The Signs of Phosphorus Deficiency
Phosphorus deficiencies look different among crops, but one consistent attribute is a change in coloring. Symptoms often go unnoticed — displaying only stunted growth in early stages of deficiency — so by the time physical symptoms are prominent, it may be too late to correct the problem. To avoid deficiencies, be sure to understand how to properly maintain phosphorus levels in your field.
Differences in Phosphorus Fertilizers
Growers may question whether liquid or granular phosphorus fertilizer is best, or when to apply it to fields to ensure optimum impact. A recent study showed that both liquid and granular phosphorus experienced greater diffusion when applied to wet soils. The study also showed that granular phosphorus fertilizers helped maintain higher levels of the nutrient, allowing application to happen well ahead of planting while still providing phosphorus availability for the plants.
Products Available
MicroEssentials® is formulated to fuse nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc into one granule. The balanced nutrient ratio in MicroEssentials® allows for uniform distribution across fields.