A recent study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has shed light on the efficiency of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer usage worldwide. Among the tens of millions of tonnes used annually, only 12.6 percent is absorbed by plants, with the majority remaining stored in soils.
The research team from the South China Botanical Garden under the CAS compiled a comprehensive global database, encompassing 987 sets of observation data from 274 published papers between 1972 and 2021. This extensive analysis delves into the proportions of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer in terms of plant uptake, soil storage, and leaching loss.
The findings highlight significant inefficiencies in fertilizer application, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and the long-term health of agricultural ecosystems. The accumulation of unused phosphorus in soils can lead to nutrient runoff and water pollution, underscoring the need for improved fertilizer management practices.
As the global population continues to grow, optimizing fertilizer usage is crucial for ensuring food security while minimizing environmental impact. The CAS study calls for further research and innovative solutions to enhance phosphorus uptake by plants and reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural practices.
Reference(s):
Study: Very little inorganic phosphorus fertilizer absorbed by plants
cgtn.com
