Phosphorus Dynamics: From Soil to Plant

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the soil-to-plant dynamics of phosphorus is crucial due to the growing concern about phosphorus depletion worldwide. Phosphorus is a non-renewable resource, and its availability for agricultural use is finite. As the global population and food demand continue to rise, sustainable phosphorus management becomes imperative to prevent depletion and ensure long-term food security.

Phosphorus exists in organic and inorganic forms in the soil, with inorganic phosphate ions readily available to plants. However, phosphorus can become immobilized or adsorbed onto soil particles, reducing availability. Plants acquire phosphorus from the soil solution through their roots. They employ various mechanisms to enhance phosphorus uptake, including releasing organic acids and enzymes that dissolve mineral-bound phosphorus. Additionally, mycorrhizal associations between plant roots and fungi facilitate phosphorus uptake. Much research has focused on elucidating the intricate process of phosphorus absorption from the soil to plants.

Through many investigations, we have made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and physiological pathways involved in phosphorus uptake by plant roots. However, there are still open questions and challenges in this fascinating field. For example, the relationship between plant function and soil phosphorus forms, phosphorus dynamics in heterogeneous soil environments, and phosphorus utilization and acquisition in plant–microbe interaction are among the open research topics.

A comprehensive understanding of the soil-to-plant dynamics of phosphorus is vital for optimizing nutrient management, maximizing crop productivity, protecting the environment, improving cost effectiveness, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this Special Issue features articles focusing on soil-to-plant phosphorus nutrients and their dynamics at all levels, including plant nutrition, field crop science, breeding, soil chemistry, and soil microbiology.

Dr. Hayato Maruyama
Prof. Dr. Guangda Ding
Dr. Muhammad Nadeem
Guest Editors

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• phosphorus nutrition
• phosphorus use efficiency
• phosphorus forms in soil
• phosphorus solubilization
• mycorrhizal symbiosis
• plant–microbe interactions
• rhizosphere
• phosphorus cycling
• phosphorus dynamics in soil