Question

Describe or identify at least 4 strategies plant roots use to extract phosphorus from soil.

Answer 1

Plant roots absorb phosphorus from the soil. Compared with other macronutrients, the rate of phosphorus in the soil is very low and ranges from 0.001 mg / L to 1 mg / L (Brody and Weil, 2002). Typically, roots absorb phosphorus in the form of orthophosphate, but can also absorb some form of organic phosphorus. Phosphorus spreads to the root surface. However, the presence of mycorrhizal fungi that promote symbiotic contact with plant roots and spreading of the threadhide hyphae in the soil increases phosphorus, as well as in acidic soils with low phosphorus.