Organic Phosphorus Biogeochemistry in Soil and Water Systems.

Historically, research into agronomic and environmental aspects of phosphorus (P) cycling has focused on inorganic P. However, technological advances such as the use of ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P-NMR) have advanced our understanding of organic P forms. Recent research suggests that organic P forms may contribute significantly to the pool of plant-available P in some soils, while organic transported in runoff may play a key role in the eutrophication of water bodies. This presentation will review the forms of organic P in the environment, the methods used to characterize organic P forms, including ³¹P, and the research to date on transport and cycling of organic P. It will also discuss knowledge gaps about organic P biochemistry, where further research is needed.