A conceptual framework for improving the P efficiency of organic farming without inputs of soluble P fertiliser
M. K. Conyers A C and P. W. Moody BA E.H. Graham Centre, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PMB Pine Gully Road, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.
B Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water, Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Qld 4068, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: mark.conyers@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Crop and Pasture Science 60(2) 100-104 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP06327
Submitted: 30 March 2007 Accepted: 16 October 2007 Published: 27 February 2009
Abstract
The issues for P availability to agricultural plants are 3-fold: the solution concentration of P during early growth (intensity factor); the quantity of P in the soil ‘bank’ to meet plant and animal needs (capacity or quantity factor); and the rate at which P becomes available from mineral and organic sources (kinetic factor). These three needs can be met by: (1) applying traditional (manure, compost) and novel (biosuper) sources; (2) modifying or selecting plants for their root architecture, phytase activity, carboxylate excretion, and P translocation inefficiency; (3) encouraging rhizosphere conditions which favour phytase and carboxylase activity; (4) developing symbioses with mycorrhiza and Penicillium species; (5) developing exoenzyme products which release inositol P; (6) adjusting soil pH to 6–7 for maximum availability of native mineral P sources or lowering pH for maximum availability of reactive rock P; (7) developing rotations which maximise organic P cycling. These 7 broad groupings of strategies to improve P nutrition each operate by 1 or more of the 3 mechanisms of quantity, intensity, and kinetic factors. The possible application of these strategies to ‘organic’ farming is outlined in this review. However, a successful application of these strategies might also improve the P efficiency of conventional agriculture.
Additional keywords: phosphorous, rhizosphere.
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