Instant Insights: Phosphorus Uptake and Use in Crops: (73 Burleigh Dodds Science: Instant Insights)

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on phosphorus uptake and use in crops. The first chapter summarises the progress in research on root traits associated with phosphorus acquisition, including root morphology, architecture, biochemistry, colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and fine root endophytes. The chapter also reviews the recent advances in breeding programmes to improve phosphorus acquisition efficiency. The second chapter discusses interactions between phosphorus management (phosphorus rate, source timing, and placement) and diverse cropping systems and climate and how these interactions are essential to efficient utilization of phosphorus resources. The third chapter assesses the key soil, root and microbial processes that influence phosphorus acquisition with a focus on factors that can be managed to ensure optimal use of fertiliser and development of root systems for improved phosphorus acquisition. A case study from Australia is used to demonstrate how phosphorus efficiency of grasslands can be improved. The final chapter reviews the environmental effects of phosphorus fertilisation in agriculture, primarily its impact on water quality. The chapter considers how future water quality issues can be mitigated and also examines the cycling, fate and transport of phosphorus in agriculture.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Advances in understanding plant root uptake of phosphorus (P) uptake: Jiayin Pang, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Zhihui Wen, The University of Western Australia, Australia and China Agricultural University, China; Daniel Kidd and Megan H. Ryan, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Rui-Peng Yu, Long Li and Wen-Feng Cong, China Agricultural University, China; Kadambot H. M. Siddique, The University of Western Australia, Australia; and Hans Lambers, The University of Western Australia, Australia and China Agricultural University, China; 1 Introduction 2 Root architecture and morphology associated with phosphorus (P) uptake 3 Root biochemistry associated with P uptake 4 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and fine root endophytes 5 Trade-offs in traits 6 Microbially-mediated efficient P acquisition in species-diverse systems 7 Farming-management practice in P acquisition at the intensive agricultural system level 8 Breeding to improve P acquisition 9 Case study: mobilisation of phosphorus and manganese in cluster roots of Lupinus albus 10 Conclusion 11 Future trends in research 12 Where to look for further information 13 Acknowledgement 14 References Chapter 2 - Enhancing phosphorus-use efficiency in crop production: J. L. Havlin, North Carolina State University, USA; and A. J. Schlegel, Kansas State University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Phosphorus-use efficiency 3 Soil factors 4 Plant factors 5 Management factors 6 Conclusion and future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References Chapter 3 - Delivering improved phosphorus acquisition by root systems in pasture and arable crops: Richard J. Simpson and Rebecca E. Haling, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Australia; and Phillip Graham, Graham Advisory, Australia; 1 Introduction 2 Options for improving phosphorus acquisition by roots in pastures and arable crops 3 Rhizosphere modifications that improve phosphorus acquisition 4 Understanding the agronomic context in which improved phosphorus acquisition by roots can deliver benefits 5 Critical phosphorus benchmarks for soil phosphorus management 6 Case study: improving the phosphorus efficiency of sheep and beef grassland farming in southern Australia 7 Conclusion and future trends in research 8 Where to look for further information 9 Acknowledgements 10 References Chapter 4 - Advances in understanding the environmental effects of phosphorus fertilization: Andrew N. Sharpley, University of Arkansas, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Cycling, fate and transport of phosphorus in agriculture 3 Remedial measures 4 Legacies of past management 5 Conclusion and future trends 6 Acknowledgements 7 References