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Phosphorus, Sustainability, and Advancing Nutrient Management in Cropping Systems

Melanie Willich and, Bruce Mathews (2017)

Summary

Phosphorus (P) plays critical roles in all living cells, including the intracellular energy transport via the coenzyme adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cell wall integrity via phospholipids, and the biochemistry of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Agricultural crop and livestock systems frequently receive inputs of P as fertilizers and feed mineral supplements because P availability is often a major factor limiting production. Excessive importation of P into agricultural systems may result in undesired export of this non-renewable resource to ecologically sensitive surface waters, thereby resulting in eutrophication. The paradox of ongoing global depletion of minable P reserves while economically wasteful inputs of excess P to agriculture in developed countries lead to pollution and agriculture in tropical developing countries continues to be frequently severely constrained by P deficiencies has thrust P management into the public limelight to a greater extent than any other mineral. This brief review of the complex nature of P management in cropping systems identifies and synthesizes P related sustainability issues in agriculture and outlines strategies for advancement.