The importance of phosphorus
Starting off with the name of this nutrient, since two names are used; phosphorus and phosphate. According to our fertilizer specialist, it closely depends on the context in which the nutrient is discussed. ‘’One speaks about phosphorus concentrations in the surface water and about the phosphorus concentration in a plant. In natural environments, phosphorus can be found mostly in phosphate connections. These connections are formed by phosphate and oxygen (e.g. H2PO4 and P2O5). The term phosphate is generally used in terms of soil science, fertilizing consultation and fertilization policies. Briefly, the term phosphate is used when the nutrient has not been taken in by the plant yet. After the nutrient is absorbed by the plant, the words phosphate is used.”
The presence of phosphorus is essential for every plant, because of its important function. Not only it is needed for the plant’s development, but also for processes such as photosynthesis and assimilation (‘breathing’). Also, the transportation of energy within the plant cells is arranged thanks to phosphorus. The macro nutrient can be seen as a building block of cell walls, DNA and many different types of proteins, enzymes and other types of organic material that can be found in the plant. And this is of high importance for a plant’s growth.