Phosphorus is an essential element in plant nutrition, represented by the symbol **P**. While it's one of many elements found in nature, plants absorb significantly less phosphorus compared to nitrogen and potassium, sometimes even less than calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in the structure and function of plants, as it is a key component of nucleic acids, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and other vital biochemical compounds. This makes it indispensable for plant growth, especially during reproductive stages. Plants primarily take up phosphorus in the form of **monovalent** and **divalent orthophosphate ions**, depending on soil pH. In acidic soils (pH below 7.2), they absorb monovalent forms, while in alkaline conditions (pH above 7.2), divalent forms are More available. As a fundamental part of DNA and RNA, phosphorus is central to genetic processes and cell division. It also plays a critical role in energy transfer, acting as a key player in metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and sugar transport. Phosphorus helps regulate the movement and storage of sugars and starches, supports grain development, and enhances root growth. Additionally, it contributes to the process of biological nitrogen fixation, which is vital for leguminous crops. A deficiency in phosphorus can lead to stunted growth, dark green or purplish leaves, small seeds, and delayed maturity. Symptoms often first appear on older leaves, as phosphorus is highly mobile within the plant and can be redistributed from aging tissues to younger ones. On the other hand, excessive phosphorus can cause problems too. Overly lush foliage, dark green leaves, and short internodes are common signs. Vegetative growth may slow down, while reproductive development speeds up. Root systems tend to become more robust, but leaf fiber content increases, reducing flammability in crops like tobacco. Moreover, excess phosphorus can interfere with the uptake of other micronutrients such as zinc and manganese. Phosphorus cycles through the soil-plant-animal system. In the soil, it exists mainly in minerals like apatite, which can be broken down by microorganisms into water-soluble forms. However, these soluble forms can quickly become fixed into insoluble compounds, limiting their availability. Organic fertilizers and manures also release phosphorus that can be easily immobilized in the soil, making long-term availability limited. Animal waste and decomposing plant material are sources of available phosphorus, with chicken manure being rich in it, while straw contains much less. Historically, phosphate fertilizers were used earlier than nitrogen-based ones. The first commercial superphosphate was introduced in the UK in 1843, followed by its use in the US in 1852. Superphosphate contains both phosphorus and calcium sulfate, while heavy superphosphate has a higher concentration of phosphorus without sulfur. Nitrophosphate, which combines nitrogen and phosphorus, was popular due to its nitrate content that crops can directly absorb. However, it tends to be hygroscopic and less commonly used today. All these fertilizers are produced by treating apatite with acid. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is a widely used, highly soluble fertilizer containing both phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen. Calcium-magnesium-phosphate is suitable for acidic soils as it dissolves in acidic conditions. Traditionally, phosphorus content in fertilizers is expressed in terms of **phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅)**. To convert between P₂O₅ and actual phosphorus, the following formulas are used: - Pure phosphorus = P₂O₅ × 0.43 - P₂O₅ = Pure phosphorus × 2.29 This standardization helps farmers and agronomists better understand and apply phosphorus fertilizers effectively.

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