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Copy link The Role of Phosphorus in Crops
Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for crops to grow and develop. It is important for several metabolic activities, including photosynthesis, energy transfer, and DNA synthesis.
Phosphorus is a component of several important structural components in plants and acts as a catalyst in a variety of crucial biochemical processes, particularly those that capture and transform solar energy into usable plant chemicals.
Phosphorus and DNA
The genetic code found in all living things, DNA, contains the essential element phosphorus. Additionally, it is a part of RNA, which reads DNA’s genetic code to produce proteins and other substances necessary for plants’ structure, seed production, and genetic transmission.
Storing Energy
The ‘energy unit’ of all living things, including plants, is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In plants, ATP is created during photosynthesis and contains phosphorus in its structural makeup. It is involved in processes from seedling growth through seed germination and maturation.
All plants require phosphorus to maintain their general well-being and vigour. Adding phosphorus to the crop is connected with a number of distinct growth factors, including:
- accelerated root growth
- strengthened stalks and stems
- better flower and seed production
- earlier and more uniform crop maturity
- greater ability of legumes to fix nitrogen
- increase in crop quality and
- increased resistance to plant diseases
Role of Phosphorus in Crop Production | ICL UK
Symptoms of Phosphorus Deficiency
A crop lacking in phosphorus will grow slowly, look stunted, and be underdeveloped. Older leaves will have purple tinting and a dark green colour. The bottom leaves are always impacted first and exhibit the earliest signs of insufficiency because phosphorus is mobile in plants.
Symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency in Crops | ICL UK
