In conjunction with the launch of Phosphorus ‘P’ Week (Sept 16-21), two researchers are rolling out a review surrounding the science of phosphorus fertilization under 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place).
Focusing on the Northern Great Plains, the review, by Cynthia Grant and Don Flaten, identifies key gaps in knowledge, and priorities for future research on the topic.
“Fortunately, the research that we collected generally shows that most of the P management practices that increase the agronomic efficiency of P use by crops also reduce the environmental risk of P losses,” Grant says.
The initiative is in support of the 4R Research Network, a selection of 9 leading Canadian researchers who quantify the economic, social, and environmental benefits resulting from advanced fertilizer management systems under 4R Nutrient Stewardship
“We and the agriculture industry, in general, want this information to be as widely available as possible so that it can be used by farmers, agronomists, and the general public,” says Flaten.
The review was funded by Fertilizer Canada and the North American 4R Research Fund.
“Fertilizer Canada is committed to bolstering the science behind 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles in a way that is profitable for farmers to meet society’s need for increased food production and to improve the environmental performance of farming practices,” says Garth Whyte, president, and CEO, Fertilizer Canada.
The 42-page review, 4R Management of Phosphorus Fertilizer in the Northern Great Plains: A Review of the Scientific Literature, can be found here.
