Phosphorus applications adjusted to optimal crop yields can help sustain global phosphorus reserves

Abstract With the longevity of phosphorus reserves uncertain, distributing phosphorus to meet food production needs is a global challenge. Here we match plant-available soil Olsen phosphorus concentrations to thresholds for optimal productivity of improved grassland and 28 of the world’s most widely grown and valuable crops. We find more land (73%) below optimal production thresholds than above. We calculate that an initial capital application of 56,954 kt could boost soil Olsen phosphorus to their threshold concentrations and that 28,067 kt yr −1 (17,500 kt yr −1 to cropland) could maintain these thresholds. Without additional reserves becoming available, it would take 454 years at the current rate of…

• A
  AgResearch
• MO
  Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
• UG
  U.S. Geological Survey