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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #182907
Title: THE NATURE OF PHOSPHORUS IN CALCAREOUS SOILS

Author
item Leytem, April
item MIKKELSEN, R - POTASH PHOSPHATE INST

Submitted to: Better Crops
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2005
Publication Date: 4/1/2005
Citation: Leytem, A.B., Mikkelsen, R.L. 2005. The nature of phosphorus in calcareous soils. Better Crops. 89(2):11-13.

Interpretive Summary: Calcareous soils (containing free lime) are common in many arid and semi-arid regions of North America and occur as inclusions in more humid regions. Phosphorus (P) is very reactive with lime. Following fertilizer application, P undergoes a series of reactions that gradually reduce its solubility. In most calcareous soils, there does not appear to be a strong agronomic advantage of any particular P source when managed properly. Organic matter can inhibit P fixation reactions to some extent. Some fertilizer recommendations call for additional P to be added when the soil contains high amounts of free lime.

Technical Abstract: Calcareous soils (containing free lime) are common in many arid and semi-arid regions of North America and occur as inclusions in more humid regions. Phosphorus (P) is very reactive with lime. Following fertilizer application, P undergoes a series of reactions that gradually reduce its solubility. In most calcareous soils, there does not appear to be a strong agronomic advantage of any particular P source when managed properly. Organic matter can inhibit P fixation reactions to some extent. Some fertilizer recommendations call for additional P to be added when the soil contains high amounts of free lime.