Phosphorus Fractions in Temperate Grassland Soils and Their Interactions with Agronomic P Tests

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient for plant growth and animal health, its availability in soil influenced by agronomic management properties. This study examined the distribution of labile non-labile P fractions grassland properties that influence their temperate grasslands. Eleven were identified as, (H2O.P NaHCO3.P), moderately (NaOH.P) non-available (NaOH.P, HCl.P residual P). The P, organic (NaOH.Po) inorganic (NaOH.Pi) comprised 38%, 24% 15% total (TP), respectively. (Po) associated with extractable Fe, NaOH.Pi fraction was Al. Agronomic reagents (Morgan’s Mehlich3) targeted specific based on affinity different elements. Morgan’s Ca high soils, overestimated plant-available extracting Ca.P forms (HCl.P). Mehlich3 test showed preference Al.P oxides. indicates reagent, which provides wider suite elements such as Ca, Al will suit better indicator dynamics improved advice to farmers. inclusion additional chemico-physical characteristics would improve testing, benefitting farmers’ advice.