Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for plants. In nature, phosphorus is found in low concentrations in the soil, so plant breeding and food production cannot achieve an optimal yield. For this purpose, phosphorus is introduced into the soil with the help of fertilizers, which can be in organic or inorganic forms. Phosphorus accumulates in the soil due to its strong binding, so many fertilized soils have a supply of this nutrient. When soil particles are carried away by erosion into water systems, phosphorus causes severe environmental problems. Excavation of phosphate ore, which is an integral part of phosphate fertilizers, is also harmful to the environment. Scientists cite various predictions about peak phosphorus, which will be the time when commercially available and affordable phosphorus will begin to be in short supply. In the future, it will be necessary to complete the phosphorus cycle to avoid unnecessary losses of this nutrient. Fortunately, there are already many researched methods on how to manage phosphorus in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
|
