How does phosphorus help plants tolerate stress?
The answers can be found in the functions of phosphorus in plant growth. The following soil and crop conditions serve as indicators of when phosphorus might be in short supply and how phosphorus helps plants cope with conditions associated with stress. Soil acidity can be highly variable within any given field. Highly acidic soils restrict root growth and allow iron and aluminum to lock up phosphorus. Consider band placement of phosphorus when soil acidity cannot be adjusted. High pH soils also tie up phosphorus and many micronutrients. Minimum tillage provides excellent soil protection against erosion and contributes to energy savings. However, availability of phosphorus, magnesium and zinc to seedlings can be reduced due to the cooler, moist seedbed created by more crop residue on the soil surface. Extreme temperature changes can injure seedlings, such as wheat and canola, when soils test low in phosphorus. Research has documented the role of phosphorus for improved seedling vigor, w
