Improving Phosphate Acquisition from Soil via Higher Plants While Approaching Peak Phosphorus Worldwide: A Critical Review of Current Concepts and Misconceptions
2024

Improving Phosphate Acquisition from Soil via Higher Plants

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gerke Jörg

Primary Institution: Institut für Angewandte Wissenschaft, Ausbau 5, 18258 Rukieten, Germany

Hypothesis

Under low soil P conditions, the release of efficient carboxylates by the roots is a promising and often essential way to improve the acquisition of soil P.

Conclusion

The study suggests that carboxylates released by plant roots can significantly enhance phosphate mobilization and acquisition from soil, especially in low-phosphorus conditions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Phosphate is the plant macronutrient with the lowest solubility in soil.
  • Carboxylates like citrate can increase the availability of phosphorus in the soil.
  • Plant species that form cluster roots, such as white and yellow lupin, are particularly effective at mobilizing phosphorus.

Takeaway

Plants can help get more phosphorus from the soil by releasing special chemicals called carboxylates, which make phosphorus easier to absorb.

Methodology

The review discusses various mechanisms of phosphorus mobilization and acquisition by plants, focusing on the role of carboxylates.

Limitations

The ecological relevance of P mobilization by carboxylates and its effect on the uptake of P by crops and grassland species are only partially understood.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/plants13243478

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