Publication | Open Access
Processes Governing Phosphorus Availability in Temperate Soils
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Environmental ChemistryBiogeochemistrySolid PhaseEngineeringEnvironmental EngineeringBioremediationSoil FunctionEnvironmental RemediationSoil ChemistryNutrient StoichiometryIsotope Exchange KineticsPublic HealthPhosphorus AvailabilitySoil RestorationFertilizer P.Soil FertilitySoil Fertility ManagementNutrient Management
Phosphorus losses from agricultural soils to water bodies stem from excessive accumulation of available P due to long‑term fertilizer inputs, highlighting the need for systems that maximize P use efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The paper reviews recent advances in understanding the processes governing soil phosphorus availability to inform strategies that reduce agricultural phosphorus losses. The review examines inorganic P release mechanisms measured by isotope exchange kinetics and infinite‑sink desorption, and discusses biologically driven processes. Enhanced knowledge of abiotic and biotic phosphorus cycling informs strategies to match crop needs with soil P release and to develop remediation techniques that lower P availability in high‑P soils, thereby reducing agricultural P losses.
Abstract Phosphorus losses from agricultural soil to water bodies are mainly related to the excessive accumulation of available P in soil as a result of long‐term inputs of fertilizer P. Since P is a nonrenewable resource, there is a need to develop agricultural systems based on maximum P use efficiency with minimal adverse environmental impacts. This requires detailed understanding of the processes that govern the availability of P in soil, and this paper reviews recent advances in this field. The first part of the review is dedicated to the understanding of processes governing inorganic P release from the solid phase to the soil solution and its measurement using two dynamic approaches: isotope exchange kinetics and desorption of inorganic P with an infinite sink. The second part deals with biologically driven processes. Improved understanding of the abiotic and biotic processes involved in P cycling and availability will be useful in the development of effective strategies to reduce P losses from agricultural soils, which will include matching crop needs with soil P release and the development of appropriate remediation techniques to reduce P availability in high P status soils.