Surface-spring-applied compost replenishes plant available phosphorus, but crop uptake depends on soil moisture

Key Points

• Evaluate the effect of surface-spring-applied compost on phosphorus availability and crop uptake in low soil test phosphorus conditions.
• Conducted over three years in Manitoba, Canada with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under low STP conditions (3 ppm).
• Applied compost during seeding and observed its effects on grain yield and P uptake under varying soil moisture.
• Monitored mid-season soil test phosphorus levels and crop responses to compost application.
• Compost application increased grain yield and phosphorus uptake in wet conditions, but not in drought scenarios.
• Under drought, phosphorus uptake efficiency was significantly lower (34% vs 79% in wet conditions).
• Compost increased mid-season soil test phosphorus, showing its effectiveness at replenishing soil phosphorus.

Abstract