Phosphorus is necessary for plant growth and energy. Phosphorous is an essential nutrient involved in most of the biochemical reactions in the plant: photosynthesis, respiration, synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, and others. It is also part of processes such as obtaining cellular energy as part of ADP and ATP.
Lack of available phosphorous can lead to decreased yields. Plants mainly utilize soil phosphorous and if activity of the soil biology is low, it impacts soil diffusion as does moisture (or lack of it), soil compaction, soil buffering capacity and soil temperature that increase density making nutrient efficiency less effective.
Managing phosphorus levels effectively is at an optimal soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 for availability and ≤ 6.0 results in iron and aluminum binding, making it less available. Even when soils have ideal pH, only a small fraction of conventional P is soluble in soil and available for plant uptake, no matter the levels. Phosphorus needs to be maintained at optimal levels and especially after nutrient removal from harvesting. To maintain proper levels, soil testing after harvesting is needed to provide nutritional status to determine next steps.
Crops are highly responsive to phosphorus, ranked second most limiting nutrient in crop production after nitrogen and in some locales is more limiting. Crops need it 5-6 weeks after emergence. If it is low in soil and tissue early in season reports, it limits yield potential. It’s a critical component in a well-rounded fertilizer program, making P levels in the fall extremely important for spring when the plants first germinate. In a full crop cycle an expected loss of approximately 85% of what is applied requiring regular applications for most crops. A benefit of using Ferticell® Pro Phos 2™ 0-20-0 is its application as foliar is 95+% applied is not only available (it is already in a useable form that needs no conversion), but used. Additionally, a hydrolyzed protein amino acid (plant-based carbon) N with their phytohormones like Explorer™ 10-0-0 or Explorer™ 16-0-0 will increase uptake and promote a longer availability to help avoid some of the conditions that literally “tie-up” it up in the soil and promote nutrient cycling.
With less time in spring and summer, getting into fields for applications are limited. This makes Fall applications more beneficial, so P is available when needed in the spring. Unfortunately, when conventional P is applied in the fall or spring, little difference was detected because of that 85% loss. An approach we recommend is an allocation of Pro Phos 2™ in the Fall. With the new Pro Phos 2™, now containing 25% freshwater algae, P will move to and remain in the soil until spring when it will be needed by the plant. Inclusion of the freshwater algae also will feed the soil biology during the winter to increase soil viability to help further release P in advance of Spring. Then we suggest before or at planting, a reduced amount of an application of a blend of conventional P and Pro Phos 2™. This is followed by a foliar application of Ferticell® Pro Phos 2™ in season to sustain levels the plant needs. With Pro Phos 2™ in each application, phosphorous would be immediately absorbed, available and acting in the plant in less than 3 hours and is the best approach to insuring that your crop has the levels of P they need for superior outcomes. These applications not only reduce the amount of P applied, with not all being applied via soil, it will considerably reduce the amount that volatilizes or leaches to contaminate groundwater and watersheds further downstream from the plot, an issue of major concern and potential regulation.
To stay ahead of P loss, apply Ferticell® Pro Phos 2™ or any of our Active™ series as a tool for efficient nutrition in the key root zone. Use it during tillage or strip till to reduce the risk of runoff and even in no-till fields, fall applications give an opportunity to slowly move beneath the soil surface before spring planting. The perfect phosphorous for driplines and hydroponics. Like all other Ferticell® products, it makes an ideal tank mix for additional opportunities to feed your crop the nutrients they need.
“Plants Feeding Plants”
