ARS | Publication request: Enzymatic hydrolysis of organic phosphorus

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: September 7, 2010
Publication Date: August 8, 2011
Citation: He, Z., Honeycutt, C.W. 2011. Enzymatic hydrolysis of organic phosphorus. In: He, Z., editor. Environmental Chemistry of Animal Manure. New York, NY: Nova Science Publishers. p. 253-274.

Technical Abstract: Orthophosphate-releasing enzymatic hydrolysis is an alternative means for characterizing organic phosphorus (Po) in animal manure. The approach is not only simple and fast, but can also provide information difficult to obtain by other methods. Currently, commercially available phosphatases are mainly used in this type of research. Enzymatic hydrolysis has been used to evaluate the distribution patterns of animal manure P and their short- and long-term fates in soil. Data from these studies indicate various labile P forms are present in animal manure, and their distribution patterns vary with different types of manure. Although manure application increases soil P levels, the buildup of Po is relatively lower than total P in manure-amended soils, indicating the lability of manure Po. It is noticeable that many studies have reported that not more than 50% of Po is hydrolysable using commercially available enzymes. Apparently, these unhydrolysable P compounds are in relatively complex forms. Hydrolysis by other enzymes could shed light on characterizing the previously unidentified portions of Po. A collaborative effort of biochemists and agricultural/environmental scientists is proposed to fulfill this purpose.