P-32 isotopic techniques for evaluating the agronomic effectiveness of rock phosphate materials

Tropical soils are often low in available P and therefore require inputs of P fertilizer for optimum plant growth and production of food and fiber. The cost of applying imported or locally produced, water-soluble, P fertilizers is often greater than utilizing indigenous phosphate rock. Therefore quantifying the P availability of soils amended with phosphate rock-based products in a variety of crop management and environmental conditions in developing countries is desirable for making recommendations on best type and rate of fertilizers to use to obtain maximum agronomic and economic benefits. One adequate approach for evaluating the agronomic effectiveness of rock phosphate materials is through the use of P-32/P-33 isotopic tracers. The present paper describes the principles and assumptions of the P-32 isotopic techniques commonly used in the field and greenhouse for the agronomic evaluation of rock phosphate materials. An overview of the applications of these techniques is also given.