Application Of Superphosphate Research Articles

Integrating phosphorus management and cropping technology for sustainable maize production

Achieving high maize yields and efficient phosphorus (P) use with limited environmental impacts is one of the greatest challenges in sustainable maize production. Increasing plant density is considered an effective approach for achieving high maize yields. However, the low mobility of P in soils and the scarcity of natural P resources have hindered the development of methods that can simultaneously optimize P use and mitigate the P-related environmental footprint at high plant densities. In this study, meta-analysis and substance flow analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of different types of mineral P fertilizer on maize yield at varying plant densities and assess the flow of P from rock phosphate mining to P fertilizer use for maize production in China. A significantly higher yield was obtained at higher plant densities than at lower plant densities. The application of single super-phosphate, triple super-phosphate, and calcium magnesium phosphate at high plant densities resulted in higher yields and a smaller environmental footprint than the application of diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. Our scenario analyses suggest that combining the optimal P type and application rate with a high plant density could increase maize yield by 22%. Further, the P resource use efficiency throughout the P supply chain increased by 39%, whereas the P-related environmental footprint decreased by 33%. Thus, simultaneously optimizing the P type and application rate at high plant densities achieved multiple objectives during maize production, indicating that combining P management with cropping techniques is a practical approach to sustainable maize production. These findings offer strategic, synergistic options for achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Short-Term Impact of Recycling-Derived Fertilizers on Their P Supply for Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

Various nutrient recycling technologies are currently under development in order to alleviate the dependency of non-renewable raw material for the production of mineral phosphorus fertilizers commonly used in agriculture. The resulting products, such as struvites and ashes, need to be assessed for their application as so-called recycling-derived fertilizers (RDFs) in the agricultural sector prior to commercialization. Here, we conducted a short-term (54 days) trial to investigate the impact of different phosphorus fertilizers on plant growth and the soil P cycling microbiota. Lolium perenne was grown with application of superphosphate (SP) as inorganic fertilizer, two ashes (poultry litter ash (PLA) and sewage sludge ash (SSA)), and two struvites (municipal wastewater struvite (MWS) and commercial CrystalGreen® (CGS)) applied at 20 and 60 kg P ha-1 in four replicates. A P-free control (SP0) was also included in the trial. Struvite application increased plant dry weights, and available P acid phosphatase activity was significantly improved for struvites at the high P application rate. The ash RDFs showed a liming effect at 60 kg P ha-1, and PLA60 negatively affected acid phosphatase activity, while PLA20 had significantly lower phoD copy numbers. P mobilization from phosphonates and phytates was not affected. TCP solubilization was negatively affected by mineral SP fertilizer application at both P concentrations. The bacterial (16S and phoD) communities were only marginally affected by the tested P fertilizers. Overall, struvites appeared to be a suitable substitute for superphosphate fertilization for Irish L. perenne pastures.

Seed molybdenum concentration and yield of cowpea as influenced by foliar application of sodium molybdate and soil application of simple superphosphate

Cowpea is a legume rich in amino acids and proteins, cultivated worldwide. However, the crop has low grain yield, which is attributed to inadequate management of fertilizers. Therefore research was conducted to evaluate the effect of phosphorus applied via soil and molybdenum via leaves on productivity and seed molybdenum concentration of cowpea. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme: Molybdenum doses (Mo) (0, 100, 250 or 500 g ha−1 of sodium molybdate) and doses of phosphorus (0, 50, 100 or 150 kg P2O5 ha−1), in a randomized block design, with four replications. Mo applications were split in the flowering and maturation phase to ensure the best absorption of micronutrients. At the end of maturation, pod length, pod mass, number of grains per pod, 100 grain mass, grain yield, seed molybdenum and concentration were measured. There was a significant interaction between the doses of phosphorus and molybdenum for pod length and number of grains per pod with increments in production and optimal dose estimated at 374.15 g ha−1 of molybdenum and 123.43 kg ha−1 of phosphorus. Phosphate fertilization increases grain yield, pod dry weight and 100-grain weight by 41%, 51% and 20%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The splitting of molybic fertilization is an effective way to increase the nutrient concentration in the seed, which leads to a reduction in the cost of producing Mo-rich seeds, without causing toxic effects on plants.

Seedlings of Cedrela fissilis Vell. respond to single superphosphate application, but not to liming

Seedlings of Cedrela fissilis Vell. respond to single superphosphate application, but not to liming

Changes in phosphorus turnover when soils under long-term P management are amended with bio-based fertiliser

Understanding available phosphorus (P) turnover could improve sustainable P management. An isotope tracing 33P was used to measure daily P turnover rates and exchangeable P (E) in P deficient, balanced, and excess P soils from a long-term P site. Turnover under P deficient conditions was characterised by the lowest P flux predominantly from the available into the exchangeable P pools (P efflux). The P efflux in the P deficient soil was 3.7 ± 0.6 mg P/L day−1 and the inverse flux (P influx) was 1.6 ± 0.4 mg P/L day−1. Turnover rates were more than twofold higher under P balanced and surplus conditions, exhibiting an equilibrium between influx and efflux rates. The contribution of abiotic processes to P turnover was predominant in the excess P soil, whereas biotic processes dominated turnover rates under P deficient conditions.Changes in P turnover were measured following application of single superphosphate (SSP) and dairy processing sludge (DPS). Both fertiliser types increased P turnover rates and availability across all soils. After SSP application, E values plateaued between 238 and 297 mg P/L regardless of initial P status. Slower P release from DPS was evidenced by a wider range of E values (97–160 mg P/L) with slower turnover.

Soil microbes and associated extracellular enzymes largely impact nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient poor grassland ecosystem soils

Understanding the role of soil microbes and their associated extracellular enzymes in long-term grassland experiments presents an opportunity for testing relevant ecological questions on grassland nutrient dynamics and functioning. Veld fertilizer trials initiated in 1951 in South Africa were used to assess soil functional microbial diversity and their metabolic activities in the nutrient-poor grassland soils. Phosphorus and liming trials used for this specific study comprised of superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) and dolomitic lime (2250 kg ha−1) (P + L), superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) (+ P) and control trials. These soils were analyzed for their nutrient concentrations, pH, total cations and exchange acidity, microflora and extracellular enzyme activities. The analysed soil characteristics showed significant differences except nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (C) concentrations showing no significant differences. P-solubilizing, N-cycling and N-fixing microbial diversity varied among the different soil treatments. β-glucosaminidase enzyme activity was high in control soils compared to P-fertilized and limed soils. Alkaline phosphatase showed increased activity in P-fertilized soils, whereas acid phosphatase showed increased activity in control soils. Therefore, the application of superphosphate and liming influences the relative abundance of bacterial communities with nutrient cycling and fixing functions which account for nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient stressed grassland ecosystem soils.

Performance of pine cone seedlings in different doses of phosphate fertilizing

Adding phosphorus in the composition of the substrate for the seedlings production contributes to a faster growth of seedlings, increases the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, also improves the efficiency in the use of nutrients and water in many vegetal species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the vegetative growth and quality of Annona squamosa L. seedlings, propagated by seeds, regarding the application of single superphosphate in enriched sugarcane bagasse substrate. The completely randomized design consisted of six treatments arranged according to the following application doses (0; 0.75; 1.5; 2.25; 3.0 and 3.75 kg), using the single superphosphate in substrate, with four replicates per treatment. At 120 days after sowing, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot height, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, ratio between shoot dry mass and root dry mass, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and Dickson’s Quality Index were evaluated. The maximum growth of the pine cone plants were noted when added single superphosphate to the substrate in doses ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 kg.m-3. The phosphate fertilizer favored the growth especially of the roots and leaf area and improved the quality of pine cone seedlings.

Natural field freeze-thaw process leads to different performances of soil amendments towards Cd immobilization and enrichment

Cadmium (Cd) soil pollution is a global issue affecting crop production and food safety. Remediation methods involving in-situ Cd immobilization have been developed, but their effectiveness can diminish under seasonal freeze-thaw aging processes. In this study, we assessed the field performance of four soil treatments at a seasonally frozen rice paddy. Amendments were applied at 2 wt%, including: (i) sepiolite (a 2:1 clay mineral), (ii) superphosphate, (iii) biochar (produced by rice husk at 500 °C for 2 h), and (iv) joint application of biochar & superphosphate (1:1 mixture by weight). Immobilization performance was determined as DTPA extractable Cd and plant uptake in various organs. Overall, the four treatments significantly reduced Cd bioavailability during the plant growth period, with average DTPA-extractable concentrations decreasing by 43%, 34%, 39% and 45% for the four treatments, respectively, relative to untreated soil (control). Rice grain yields from the superphosphate and the joint application treatments increased by 8.0% and 11.8%, respectively, and Cd accumulation within those grains reduced by 14.3% and 48.9%, respectively. During the winter non-growth period, freeze-thaw aging facilitated Cd mobilization, with DTPA-extractable Cd increasing by 16.9% in the control soil, relative to the initial period. However, this reduced to 10.9%, 14.4%, 7.6% and 5.0%, for the sepiolite, superphosphate, biochar and joint application treatments, respectively. Overall, the joint application of biochar and superphosphate provided the best performance in terms of both long-term Cd immobilization and rice production enhancement, offering a green remediation option for risk management at Cd contaminated rice paddies in seasonally frozen regions.

Effects of the membrane-covered technology and superphosphate on the compost quality and nitrogen-containing gas emissions during aerobic composting

A lab-scale experiment was conducted to assess effects of the membrane-covered technology and superphosphate on the compost quality and emissions of nitrogen-containing gases during aerobic composting. The results showed that the membrane-covered technology increased the temperature of the compost pile and accelerated degradation of organic matter. The membrane-covered (T1) sample attained a germination index (GI) of 50% and 80%, approximately 2 and 9 d earlier, respectively, relative to the control (CK) sample. However, the application of superphosphate might have an adverse effect on the GI value. The NH3 and N2O emissions during the aerobic composting were decreased by 25.8% and 13.1%, respectively, for the T1 sample compared to the CK sample, while these were reduced correspondingly by 21.3% and 27.2% for the superphosphate addition (T2) sample. Compared with the superphosphate addition, the membrane-covered approach reduced the NH3 emission but not the N2O emission. Thus, the membrane-covered aerobic composting is a potential technology for the adequate utilization of organic waste as a resource.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ СЛОЖНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ НА УРОЖАЙ И КАЧЕСТВО ЗЕРНА ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ, ЯЧМЕНЯ И ОЗИМОЙ РЖИ

The research was comparative estimation of the effectiveness of the application of compound fertilizers monoammonium phosphate, nitroammofosa and double superphosphate at sowing in rows on the productivity and the quality of the grain production of spring wheat , barley and winter rye on fertilizer and fertilized background. Research findings suggest that the introduction of double superphosphate in rows during sowing grain on soils with a high content of phosphorus in the background without nitrogen fertilizer inefficiently. The introduction of complex fertilizers in rows at crop fertilizer more effectively at the background. Row fertilizer has a positive impact on the quality of the grain. The most high-quality grain is formed by the rows of compound fertilizers (nitroammofosa).

Growth and production of ‘Grand Nain’ banana in response to application of simple superphosphate and monoammonium phosphate to an area irrigated with calcareous water

The supply of water of adequate quality for irrigation purposes is becoming increasingly scarce, forcing producers to use restrictive water, such as that with high concentrations of calcium bicarbonate, which is widespread in northern Minas Gerais. This leads to severe chemical imbalances in the soil and in the plants, which significantly reduces the longevity of the farms. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the growth and production of ‘Grand nain’ bananas over a production cycle in response to phosphate fertilization based on simple superphosphate and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) in a soil irrigated with calcareous water. The doses tested were 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 g P2O5 from simple superphosphate (18 % P2O5) and MAP (48 % P2O5) fertilizers, for a total of nine treatments every three months. Ammonium sulfate and potassium chloride were used in the monthly fertilization, and boric acid, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and tanned cow dung common to all plants were used in the quarterly fertilization. The results show that the simple superphosphate fertilizer provides a greater productive response of ‘Grand nain’ bananas compared to MAP in most doses tested. Thus, the hypothetical chemical imbalance caused by irrigation with calcareous water and enhanced by the simple superphosphate fertilizer was not observed in the first cultivation cycle of the ‘Grand nain’ banana.

Pelleting with superabsorbent, chitosan, and phosphorus fertilizer as a new method to improve growth, yield, and physiological attributes of potato mini-tuber

Seed pelleting is a technique of covering seeds with adhesive agents to improve seed performance and plant establishment while reducing production costs. To evaluate the responses of potato superelite minitubers to different pelleting treatments both qualitatively and quantitatively, a 2-year experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran during 2018 and 2019. Experimental treatments included 17 different combinations of zeolite (ZE) or cocopeat (CO) fillers, coating (SC) or soil application (SS) of triple superphosphate, superabsorbent polymer (SP), and chitosan (CH). The results showed a significant effect of pelleting on yield, physiological, and qualitative traits. The highest fresh and dry tuber weight belonged to SS + ZE treatment, which showed 50.6 and 49.0% increase compared to the control treatment (without pelleting), respectively. Pelleting minitubers by ZE + SS had the highest fresh tuber and biological yield (23.6 and 28.0 ton.ha-1, respectively), which showed an increase of 61.0 and 59.2%, compared to the no pelleting treatment. Most pelleting treatments increased the leaf proline content and activity of the antioxidant enzymes. The highest peroxidase activity and lowest catalase activity (16.1 and 29.6 U.mg protein-1.min, respectively) were observed in the CO+SC+CH treatment. Co-application of ZE, SC, and SP resulted in the highest protein, nitrate, and starch content. In addition, minituber pelleting with ZE+SS+SP increased methionine content significantly by 31.51% compared to the control. In general, the co-application of triple superphosphate, SP, and ZE increased the tuber yield and quality traits. Finally, the use of CH with these compounds resulted in improving physiological characteristics.

Soil Phosphorus and Corn Development Under Application of Phosphate Sources

Knowledge of the solubility of phosphate fertilizers is fundamental for phosphorus (P) recommendation management and for choosing the laboratory evaluation method of nutrient availability in the soil according to the history of fertilization. The aim was to evaluate the initial development of corn plants as a function of the application of triple superphosphate (TSP) and natural phosphate of Arraias (NPA) with and without liming and incubation time, as well as to evaluate the available P in the soil with the use the extractors Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3. An experiment was installed in an 8 × 3 × 2 factorial scheme, being 8 fertilizer incubation times (180, 140, 100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 0 day(s) before planting), 3 P sources (control—without P, TSP and NPA) and 2 refers to the application of limestone (with and without limestone). Were evaluated the shoot and root dry matter, analysis of P, Ca, Mg, and Zn in shoot and P in roots. In the soil, P levels were determined by Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3 extractors. There was a greater accumulation of P with the application of TSP with limestone in all incubation times. The application of the NPA allowed a greater accumulation of P in the plants without the application of lime. The previous incubation of the NPA did not favor the efficiency of this source, neither in the soil with corrected acidity nor in the soil with its original acidity. Mehlich-3 proved to be adequate to determine the phosphorus content in soil fertilized by NPA.

Effect of Emerging Soil Chemical Amendments on the Replant Soil Environment and Growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd. Seedlings.

The effects of different soil chemical amendments (T1, 1‰ quicklime + 1‰ superphosphate; T2, 1‰ quicklime; T3, 1‰ superphosphate) on the soil environment and growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings in aged apple orchard soil were studied to provide new insight into the prevention and control of apple replant disease. The amendments differed in their ability to ameliorate the soil environment; nevertheless, they all promoted the growth of M. hupehensis Rehd. seedlings, and the greatest enhancement of growth was observed in T1. On August 15, 2018, soil urease, sucrase, phosphatase, and catalase activities were 1.67 times, 1.32 times, 1.62 times, and 1.35 times higher in T1 compared with CK, respectively. The soil pH increased, which alleviated soil acidification. T1 also promoted the renewal of the community structure and the diversity of soil microorganisms. The copy numbers of Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum were 71.96 and 70.30% lower in T1 compared with CK, respectively. The seedling height and root length of M. hupehensis Rehd. seedlings increased by 40.97 and 289.69% in T1 compared with CK, respectively. Therefore, soil replanting obstacles can be overcome with the application of quicklime and superphosphate; these soil chemical amendments also improve the soil microbial ecological environment and promote the growth of M. hupehensis Rehd. seedlings.

‘B-M MODEL’ FOR FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN INCREASING RICE PRODUCTION

Quantifying knowledge on agriculture can have many benefits to stakeholders. While many knowledge-based systems exist in modern days for farmers’ decision support, specific models are lacking on how knowledge traits can impact on agricultural production systems. This study employed modelling technique, supported by field data, to provide a clear understanding and quantifying how knowledge management in production practices can contribute to rice productivity in the environmentally stressed southwest Bangladesh. This research accounted for ‘Boro’ rice as the target crop and ‘BRRI dhan28’ as the test variety. The ‘B-M Model’ was developed following the principle and procedure from published literature, ‘brainstorming’ and data from field surveys. Three knowledge management traits (KMT) were defined and quantified as the inputs of the model. Those are: self-experience and observation (SEO), extension advisory services (EAS) and accessed information sources (AIS). The yield influencing process (YIP), the intermediate state variable of the model, was deduced by accounting for the two dominant agronomic practices, seedling age for transplanting and triple superphosphate (TSP) application. ‘Knowledge drives farmers’ practice change which in turn influences yield’ was composed as the theoretical framework of the ‘B-M Model’. The model performed strongly against an independently collected field data set. Across the 180 farmers’ data, the average relative rice yield (RRY) predicted by the model (0.705) and observed in the field (0.716) was close (root mean squared deviation (RMSD) = 0.018). The difference between predicted and observed RRY was not statistically different (LSD = 0.03), indicating the model fully captured the field data. A regression of predicted and observed RRY explained 96% variance in observation, further proving the model’s strength in estimating RRY in a wider range of farmers’ rice yield. In a normative analysis, the practicality and usefulness of the model to stakeholders were simulated for the understanding of how much achievable yield could be expected by changing farmers’ knowledge pool (the sum of three KMT) on rice production practices, and at what combination(s) of KMT to be considered at strategic hierarchy to materialize a targeted achievable yield. To the best of the knowledge, a model quantifying rice yield in relation to knowledge management trait does not exist in literature. Upon successful testing under diverse yield scenarios using multiple and sophisticated statistical tools that enhanced the credibility of the model, it is concluded that the model has the potential to be used for identifying quantitative pathways of farmers’ knowledge acquisition for practice change leading to improved productivity of rice in the southwest region of Bangladesh.

The Super State: The Political Economy of Phosphate Fertilizer Use in South Australia, 1880–1940

Abstract From 1882 to 1910 superphosphate was almost universally adopted by wheat farmers in South Australia. A supply chain perspective is used to link the mining of phosphate rock in distant Pacific islands to the final application of superphosphate in the fields of Australian wheat farmers. Farmers and private manufacturers led the adoption stage in the context of a liberal market regime and the role of the state at this stage was limited although strategic. After 1920, the role of the state in the industry sharply increased in all phases of the industry. A political economy perspective is used to analyse state-ownership of raw material supplies and protectionist policies to manufacturers that resulted in high prices in Australia by 1930. Numerous government reviews pitted the interests of farmers and manufacturers leading to a complex system of tariffs and subsidies in efforts to serve all interests. Overall, the adoption of superphosphate was a critical factor in developing productive and sustainable farming systems in Australia, although at the expense of Pacific Islanders who prior to WWII received token benefits and were ultimately left with a highly degraded landscape.

Cultivation of Coriander in the Conditions of the Foothill Zone of the Republic of Ingushetia

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the features of growth and development of coriander. The study aims to assess the effect of fertilizers, sowing time and seeding rates on the passage of phenological phases, plant height, sowing quality of seeds, leaf area and essential oil content. The paper addresses the issue of using carbon derivatives (fullerenes) as growth stimulants. The effects of fertilizers and fullerenes on plant height and laboratory seed germination are compared. The effects of the pre-sowing application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and of foliar application of double superphosphate are highlighted and described. It is shown that the change in coriander leaves is dependent on the level of plant nutrient supply. The effects of sowing time and soil nutrient levels on the seed yield are considered. The study shows which factors had a greater impact on the content of essential oil in coriander fruits and, accordingly, on its harvest. The practical experience of coriander cultivation in the conditions of the foothill zone of the Republic of Ingushetia is summarized.
 Keywords: coriander, fertilizer, phenological phases, fullerenes, essential oil

Improvement of phosphatic fertilization method in soybeans (Glycine max L.) cultivation

The efficiency of phosphatic (P) fertilization in seasonal crops is commonly low, and most of the residual fertilizer remains in the soil. Increasing the efficiency of phosphate fertilizer is urgent to reduce its contribution to the warming climate, hence promoting climate change. Increasing the efficiency may be done by applying fast soluble phosphate (FSP) fertilizer which is applied in split application method. The research aimed to assess the growth response of soybean to the application of fast soluble P fertilizer and obtain a more efficient P fertilization method for soybean in potentially P-binding soils, Alfisol. This research was conducted using potted Alfisols of Jumapolo Karanganyar treated with several doses of slow and fast soluble P fertilizers which were arranged in a factorial design. This research concluded that FSP fertilizer in Alfisol has increased growth and P uptake of soybean. The treatment of FSP fertilizer at the dose of 100 kg ha-1 produced soybean biomass significantly higher than the application of slow-released Superphosphate (SP36) fertilizer at 150 kg ha-1. The application of FSP also increased the uptake efficiency of P fertilizer and agronomic efficiency compared to the use of SP36 fertilizer.

The Mineral Fertilizer-Dependent Chemical Parameters of Soil Acidification under Field Conditions

Soil acidification in agroecosystems is a natural process that could be accelerated, mainly by the inappropriate application of mineral fertilizers, or prevented, by sustainable management practices. On the basis of a three-year field study in a grassland agroecosystem, the impact of different rates of fertilization with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on soil chemical parameters related to soil acidity was evaluated. It was found that high-rate fertilization with ammonium nitrate accelerated the soil acidification process, which was additionally intensified by the application of superphosphate and potassium salt. The sum of exchangeable base cations, the values of base saturation and hydrolytic acidity in the soil reflected the interactions between the applied NPK-fertilizer levels. Considering chemical parameters related to soil acidity studied in this experiment, it seems that the best strategies for mitigating soil acidification in grasslands are reducing nitrate leaching, changing fertilizer types and increasing the input of base cations.

Application of Single Superphosphate with Humic Acid Improves the Growth, Yield and Phosphorus Uptake of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soil

In calcareous soil, the significant portion of applied phosphorus (P) fertilizers is adsorbed on the calcite surface and becomes unavailable to plants. Addition of organic amendments with chemical fertilizers can be helpful in releasing the absorbed nutrients from these surfaces. To check out this problem, a field experiment was conducted for two years to determine the effect of P fertilizers and humic acid (HA) in enhancing P availability in soil and their ultimate effect on growth, yield and P uptake of wheat in calcareous soils. The experiment was comprised of five levels of P (0, 45, 67.5, 90 and 112.5 kg P2O5 ha−1) as a single superphosphate (SSP) and 2 levels of locally produced humic acid (with and without HA) arranged in a two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Wheat plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain, straw and biological yield were significantly improved by the addition of HA with SSP. Very often, the performance of 67.5 kg P2O5 ha−1 with HA were either similar or better than 90 or even 112.5 kg P2O5 ha−1 applied without HA. Post-harvest soil organic matter, AB-DTPA extractable and water-soluble P, plant P concentration and its uptake were also significantly improved by the addition of HA with SSP compared to sole SSP application. It was evident that P efficiency could be increased with HA addition and it has the potential to improve crop yield and plants P uptake in calcareous soils.