Research Sheds Light on Role of Iron Oxides in Phosphorus Cycle

Northwestern University researchers published a study that revealed iron oxides are incredibly efficient catalysts that drive the conversion of organic phosphorus to inorganic phosphorus that plants can use. According to a press release, the discovery could help researchers and industry experts better understand the phosphorus cycle and optimize its use, especially in agricultural soils. Phosphorus is a finite resource but necessary for plant growth, and this is causing scientists and farmers to worry that inadequate phosphorus could jeopardize the food supply. “Our work is providing a steppingstone for designing and engineering a synthetic catalyst as a way to recycle phosphorus,” study leader Ludmilla Aristilde said. “We uncovered a reaction that’s happening naturally. The dream will be to leverage our findings as a way to make catalysts to contribute to the production of fertilizers for our food security.”
Related ATTRA podcast: Phosphorus and the Beauty of Biology