P-Availability in cold conditions
Phosphorus is a key nutrient in agriculture, and phosphorus nutrition is essential for plant development. It is indeed a constituent of plant energy and organic tissues, and promotes root development. It is therefore essential to understand plants’ phosphorus need, its behavior in the in the soil, and how it is supplied and applied. For farmers, phosphorus management is at the center of their work and needs precise attention
Top-Phos is an orthophosphate
Top-Phos consists of a complexed orthophosphate, which protects it from tying up with the soil ions. An advantage of Top-Phos over conventional P fertilizers (such as MAP 11-52) it will remain available and not tie up in the soil like other phosphorus products.
This is also advantageous for fall applications of phosphorus fertilizer, as the longer exposure to the soil can cause conventional phosphate fertilizers to tie up with soil elements before spring when the plant needs it most.
The Centre Mondial de L’Innovation (CMI) conducted a study on the effects of Top-Phos on Phosphorus availability under cold conditions.
Fine green malachite papers were placed on the soil to measure the diffusion of Top-Phos and conventional Phos at different temperatures.
The Top-Phos diffuses more once it is broken out of it’s Humic-Calcium matrix.
Methodological Approach
The Top-Phos was more mobile than conventional Phos especially in cold temperatures.
The conventional Phos experienced tie-up (flash effect) and the Top-Phos did not tie up (experienced flash effect).
results
Phosphorus was 180% more available in cold temperatures (5°C)
Phosphorus was 54% more available in room temperatures (20°C)
