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    NUTRIENT:

    PHOSPHORUS

    One of three primary nutrients, phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth, and a plant must access it to complete its normal production cycle.

    Phosphorus in Soil

    Plants absorb P from the soil as primary and secondary orthophosphates (H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻).

    Growing Point

    The highest levels of P in young plants are found in tissue at the growing point. As crops mature, most P moves into the seeds, fruit, or both.

    Discoloration

    Under P deficiency, some crops, such as corn, tend to show discoloration.

    Plant Compounds

    Phosphorus is noted especially for its role in capturing and converting the sun's energy into useful plant compounds.

    pt_nutrient_details_soybean

    Root & Seedling Growth

    Phosphorus promotes root development and early seedling growth.

    Growth Factors

    Research associates specific growth factors with P: stimulated root development, increased stalk and stem strength, and improved flower formation and seed production.

      • Growing Point

        The highest levels of P in young plants are found in tissue at the growing point. As crops mature, most P moves into the seeds, fruit, or both.

      • Discoloration

        Under P deficiency, some crops, such as corn, tend to show discoloration.

      • Plant Compounds

        Phosphorus is noted especially for its role in capturing and converting the sun's energy into useful plant compounds.

      • Root & Seedling Growth

        Phosphorus promotes root development and early seedling growth.

      • Growth Factors

        Research associates specific growth factors with P: stimulated root development, increased stalk and stem strength, and improved flower formation and seed production.

      Phosphorus deficiency symptoms

      Symptoms of deficiency can vary across crop species, but similarities exist for how nutrient insufficiency impacts plant tissue color and appearance. Nutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with the physical location on the plant (i.e., whether the symptoms are primarily observed on older versus newly formed plant tissue), but these symptoms can spread as the severity of the deficiency progresses.

      Looking to dig deeper into phosphorus?

      Browse the Resource Library for Phosphorus-related articles, research insights and more.

      Resource Library