Phosphorus (Р) is a trace element that is especially important for plants during the formation of the ovary and during afterripening of the fruits

Phosphorus (P) is a trace element that is especially important for plants during the formation of the ovary and during afterripening of the fruits. Phosphorus participates in all processes of metabolism, in particular photosynthesis (accelerates growth of organs (vegetative and generative) and plant development (accelerates growth)), respiration, energy metabolism (accelerates the processes of proteins breakdown and their transition into plant reproductive organs); it participates in the creation of cell membranes, improves the processes of water absorption (the plant uses less water), acts as an integral part of phosphorus-containing organic compounds (nucleotide with proteins, namely, nucleoproteins, etc.), nucleoside polyphosphates (ATP, AMP, ADP), coenzymes – NADP etc.; it is involved in the transmission of organism innate characters, in stimulation of the intensity of flowering crops (vegetables, fruit, grains); increases winter hardness of crops, the quality of products even in the absence of water.

Phosphorus deficiency: with insufficient quantities, biosynthesis of proteins, photosynthesis, respiration and evaporation are slowed down and nitric nitrogen is accumulated. Plants attain dark green or blue color of leaves, reddish, purple, dark sometimes black color of dead leaves appear, and trees have a growth retardation of sprouts, the size of leaves decreases and reddish veins are formed. Vegetable crops lose taste, the root crop of carrots becomes lighter, the flower plants form less flowers and its color loses the expression. The growth of plants vegetative organs (sprouts and root system, leaves become small) slows down, which effects in reducing of frost resistance. Flowering of plants and ripening of fruits are delayed; drop of leaves takes place faster.

With insufficient phosphorus amount the nitrogen effect will be especially exhibited, and therefore, when fertilizing the soil it is necessary to add nitrogen and phosphorus in equal quantities (to balance their effect). Fixation of phosphorus occurs as a result of its interaction with calcium, magnesium, aluminum.

Abuse of phosphorus nutrition: leads to compression of plants vegetative period, weak development of the root system, which aggravate the absorption of phosphorus compounds and slows down metabolic processes, in particular carbohydrates, reduces the accumulation of sugars in the finished products, reduces frost resistance of crops.

Phosphorus interinfluence with other elements