Think of phosphorous as a type of plant growth regulator. It is the energizer in plant development and is essential in capturing and storing energy during photosynthesis. It becomes an organic compound called ATP; the primary provider of energy for all functions by the plant:
- Photosynthesis and storage of sunlight energy
- Formulation of simple sugars
- Use of sugars and starches for growth
- Transfer of energy during plant chemical reactions
- Maintenance and transfer of plant’s genetic code
- Development of new plant cells
- Germination, size, number and viability of seed
Phosphate is key for:
- quick emergence
- early vigor
- root growth
- maturity
- quality
- yield
Quick emergence, early vigor, and healthy root growth are important for improving for stress tolerance.
Depending on the region, Phosphate is the first or second most limiting nutrient next to nitrogen. Globally, phosphate concentrations in the soil vary from 200 to 6000 pounds per acre, and on average, Prairie soils contain approximately 1,000 pounds total P per acre, the problem is most of it is unavailable so recommendations to apply phosphate are made on over 90% of cereal, oilseed and pulse crops.