Do Critical Soil Phosphorus Concentrations Vary In Space and if so Why?

Our overarching objective is to determine if variable rate P applications can be used to efficiently manage P in grain crop production. Our specific research objectives will evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of the soil P critical concentrations in these systems. We will investigate variability in P supply as it relates to soil chemistry, soil P forms, and soil biology as well as rhizosphere interactions that influence crop P requirements. Furthermore, we hope to use this fellowship as a vehicle to initiate a regional, open source research group that shares samples and associated data for broader soil P research.