Sustainable plant-soil phosphorus management in agricultural systems: challenges, environmental impacts and innovative solutions
Nusrat Jahan, Upoma Mahmud, Md. Zulfikar Khan
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and ecosystem health; but its availability in agricultural soils is often limited due to finite natural reserves and inefficient fertilizer recovery. This study addresses the dual challenges of P scarcity and the environmental issues that arise from its excessive use, such as eutrophication. Additionally, it signifies the role of P in plant growth, its immobilization in soils, and the influence of soil properties on P availability. Despite widespread fertilizer use, many crops still experience P limitations due to inefficiencies in existing management practices. To promote sustainable P management, this study emphasizes the importance of P recycling, the utilization of legacy P, and the adoption of innovative recovery techniques from waste materials. Furthermore, a unified global effort is urgently needed to improve P management and support broader agricultural sustainability goals. By addressing imbalances in the global P cycle, we can safeguard food security and reduce environmental impacts, contributing to a more sustainable future for agricultural systems.