Phosphorus
Nutrient Benefits
Antagonism
High P levels can reduce the availability of:
- Iron
- Potassium
- Copper
- Zinc
Stimulation
Increased P levels can create a demand for more:
- Magnesium
Functions
- Necessary for proper cell division and the formation of new cells
- Photosynthesis
- Sugar and starch formation
- Energy transfer
- Carbohydrate transport
Deficiency Symptoms
- Reduced growth
- Sometimes stunted and only evident from shortened internodes, smaller leaves, reduced shoot growth
- Dark green colour in some crops
- Purpled leaves in some crops (e.g. Brassicas)
- Reduced tillering in cereals
- Small, misshapen fruit. Can be pulpy with poor storage life
- Poor seed development
Factors Affecting Availability
- Soils with high levels of hydrous oxides of Aluminum or Iron
- Soils where P has been depleted by previous crops
- Soil with a pH less than 5.5 or greater than 7.0
- Soil with high clay content
- Mineral soils low in organic matter
Sensitive Crops
All
TREATMENT OPTIONS
The following OMEX products can assist with addressing and correcting Phosphorus deficiency:
- Starter P
- C3
- Nutri-Boost
- uPtaKe IC 5-25-5 / 8-32-5
- PK Bulk
- Zintake
- Lucky 13
- Soluble Powders
Visual Guide
