Ending Over-Application of Phosphorus Would Extend Supplies, Study Shows

Scientists at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom say that using phosphorus more efficiently could extend its supply to more than 500 years. However, they warn that phosphorus is currently overused on 30% to 40% of farm soils, with the highest overuse in European and North American countries. Additionally, the scientists found that nearly three-quarters of farmed soils are now in phosphorus deficit, which is most acute in Asian countries. Lead study author Richard McDowell of Lincoln University and AgResearch New Zealand said, “The science is clear, but to use phosphorus efficiently and extend supplies, governments need to collaborate to make policy that promote phosphorus use only where needed. That will involve balancing distributions of phosphorus for optimal crop growth and reducing subsidies that sustain overuse of phosphorus and likely cause water quality problems.”