A groundbreaking tool designed to enhance phosphorus use efficiency in crop production is set to transform the way British farmers manage this vital nutrient.
Developed by Unium Bioscience, Phosphate Power will be freely available online, providing farmers with crucial insights into the biological availability of phosphorus in their soils.
Phosphorus is a critical nutrient during the germination and early establishment phases of crops, but its availability can be hindered by various soil and environmental factors.
Phosphate Power aims to overcome these challenges by offering tailored recommendations based on postcode-specific data, enabling farmers to make more informed decisions on how best to manage phosphorus for optimal crop growth.
John Haywood from Unium Bioscience explains the practical benefits: “The new service is simple and practical. It links environmental conditions such as soil moisture, temperature, soil texture, and location to a forecast for the next seven days to help growers with precise, location-specific information.”
The tool, which can be accessed via a QR code or directly through the Unium Bioscience website, uses a phosphorus index based on peer-reviewed data to assess whether soils are biologically optimised to meet the crop’s needs. If phosphorus availability is found to be limited, the tool provides specific advice on actions that farmers can take, such as the application of seed treatments, foliar phosphorus products, or biostimulants. These solutions aim to encourage root growth and improve phosphorus uptake from the soil.
Haywood elaborates on the process: “Depending upon your soil P levels, it will help to dictate whether you need to mine reserves—by pushing out more roots and active exudates to feed soil biology—or by supplying an efficient form of phosphorus, either organic or inorganic. This can be done by placing it strategically near the root structure or using foliar treatments for optimal uptake.”
By helping farmers better understand and manage phosphorus uptake, the tool is expected to enhance early-stage crop development, ensuring plants receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth. The implications are far-reaching, offering potential cost savings and yield improvements for British agriculture.
Cambridgeshire arable farmer Russ McKenzie, who has been involved in trials of Phosphate Power, has already seen positive results. “We are excited to be able to bring this tool to help growers optimise their yield potential in the same way,” McKenzie said, noting that Unium’s nutrient programme has led to reduced costs and increased yields on his farm.
Farmers across the UK can access Phosphate Power by visiting uniumbioscience.com/phosphate-calculator, where they can enter their postcode to receive a detailed analysis of their soil’s phosphorus content and recommendations for improving phosphorus use efficiency.
As the agriculture sector continues to seek sustainable ways to increase productivity, tools like Phosphate Power represent an important step forward in precision farming, offering farmers the resources to better manage their crops and boost yields while optimising nutrient use.