A new project by a scientific consortium including the James Hutton
Institute, Rothamsted Research, and Lancanster University looks into
cropping systems that will make soil organic phosphorous available to
plants. According to Dr. Martin Blackwell, Soil Scientist and Principal
Investigator on the project at Rothamsted Research, "This is an exciting
opportunity to explore how soil organic phosphorus may be used to supplement
inorganic phosphorus fertilizers and improve crop yields with lower inputs,
especially in regions where access to fertilizers is limited."

Dr. Tim George, rhizosphere scientist at the James Hutton Institute and lead
investigator on the project, said "We are investigating bi-cropping systems
that combine plants with these individual traits to determine if such
systems can improve the utilization of organic phosphorus and help transform
organic phosphorus into a viable, sustainable nutrient source for
agricultural production."

[www.rothamsted.ac.uk]