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Ammonium phosphate fertilizers are a more effective phosphorus source than superphosphate for wheat grown on acidic gravelly soils
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Ammonium phosphate fertilizers are a more effective phosphorus source than superphosphate for wheat grown on acidic gravelly soils

Craig A. Scanlan, Raj Malik, Fien Degryse, Andrew Van Burgel and Mike J. McLaughlin
Soil Science Society of America journal, Vol.90(4), e70309
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.70309
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Published (Version of Record) Open Access CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Abstract Selecting the most effective phosphorus (P) fertilizer source is essential for maximizing crop yields. However, there is little information to guide the choice between the widely used soluble granular sources: ammonium phosphates and superphosphates. The aims of this study were to examine whether there are differences in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield response to ammonium phosphate and superphosphate fertilizers in field conditions, and if these differences relate to diffusion of P from fertilizer granules. Two field experiments were conducted on acidic gravelly soils in Western Australia where P deficiency occurs to compare wheat growth response to P applied as monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), single superphosphate (SSP) or double superphosphate (DSP). A diffusion study was conducted to quantify the effect of P source on P diffusion from the fertilizer granules. Grain yield with MAP was up to 18% higher than SSP at one field experiment, and 10% higher than DSP at the other. The extent of P diffusion around the granules in the diffusion study showed the same order as the wheat growth response in the field experiments. The difference among P sources is attributed to greater precipitation or adsorption of phosphate near the granule with superphosphates, likely due to the presence of calcium (Ca) in the fertilizer. Our results reinforce the continued use of MAP as a source of P for crops grown on the acidic, gravelly, P responsive soils in Western Australia. Plain Language Summary The application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer is an important component of grain crop production. This is because in some soils, the supply of plant-available P to the crop is not sufficient for maximum growth rates. In this scenario, the application of P as fertilizer can meet crop requirements. This research examined the growth response of wheat in two field experiments to commonly used forms of granular fertilizers that supply plant-available P. A laboratory-based experiment was done to examine if the diffusion of P away from granules of these fertilizer products differed. Overall, wheat growth was higher with the ammonium phosphate sources than for the superphosphate sources. The diffusion of P away from fertilizer granules in the laboratory study followed the same order as crop yield in the field experiment. The difference in crop growth and diffusion of P observed in this study is attributed to chemical reactions around the fertilizer granules.

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#2 Zero Hunger
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