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Browsing Publications by Author "A.L. Smit"

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    Enhancing Early Growth to Exploit Indigenous Soil P and Fertilizer P
    (2013-01) A.L. Smit; M. Blom-Zandstra; A. van der Werf; Bindraban, Prem S.
    This study investigates the hypothesis that enhancing early plant growth can lead to a more efficient utilization of phosphorus (P) from both indigenous soil resources and P fertilizers. Phosphorus availability is a limiting factor for crop production globally, and substantial amounts of mineral P fertilizer are applied to sustain food production. However, the efficiency of P fertilizer use remains low, with considerable losses throughout the production chain. Furthermore, excessive P application can lead to P accumulation in soils. As P resources are finite, improving plant uptake ability becomes crucial. This report focuses on analyzing the impact of early root growth on enhancing plant P uptake, irrespective of soil P levels.
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    Plant Strategies and Cultural Practices to Improve the Uptake of Indigenous Soil P and the Efficiency of Fertilization
    (2013-01) A.L. Smit; M. Blom-Zandstra; A. van der Werf; Bindraban, Prem S.
    This study investigates the hypothesis that enhancing early plant growth can improve the utilization of phosphorus (P) from both indigenous soil resources and fertilizer P. Phosphorus availability is a critical factor limiting crop production worldwide, with substantial variation in P fertilizer application rates across continents. The annual input of mineral P fertilizer in global food production exceeds crop P offtake, resulting in P accumulation in soils. This inefficiency in P utilization is exacerbated by losses in the production chain, with erosion being a major contributor. As finite P resources dwindle, maximizing efficiency becomes imperative. To efficiently exploit accumulated P in soils and enhance the uptake of newly applied P fertilizers, early plant root growth must be improved. This report analyzes the impact of early root growth on enhancing plant P uptake, irrespective of soil P levels.