Brief
New Soil Test Simplifies Measuring Microbial Phosphorus
An international research team has refined a laboratory technique to assess biologically active phosphorus in soils, potentially aiding agriculture and environmental management.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Researchers from Sultan Qaboos University, James Hutton Institute, the Environment Authority of Oman and collaborators have introduced a streamlined laboratory method for measuring DNA‑bound phosphorus (DNA‑P) in soils. The new procedure eliminates unnecessary enzyme treatments, reducing cost and complexity while retaining precision and sensitivity.
The updated protocol was tested on 32 soil types across the United Kingdom. Ultrafiltration remains essential to separate DNA‑P from other phosphorus compounds, ensuring accurate readings. DNA‑P, though a small fraction of total organic phosphorus, shows strong correlations with soil pH, microbial biomass phosphorus, organic matter content and dissolved phosphorus in soil water, indicating a close link to living microorganisms.
According to the study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, the method could help scientists better understand how phosphorus moves through ecosystems and supports plant growth. By providing a practical tool for measuring biologically active phosphorus, the technique may inform research on soil fertility, nutrient management and sustainable food production systems.
Key facts
- The new method removes enzyme treatments, lowering cost and complexity (sciencedaily.com)
- Ultrafiltration is still required to separate DNA‑P from other phosphorus compounds (sciencedaily.com)
- DNA‑P correlates with soil pH, microbial biomass phosphorus, organic matter and dissolved phosphorus (sciencedaily.com)
- The method was tested on 32 soil types across the UK (sciencedaily.com)
Background
Felo News has previously covered advances in sustainable agriculture and environmental monitoring, providing context for the importance of efficient soil nutrient analysis.
Why it matters
Understanding the biologically active portion of the phosphorus cycle can guide more efficient use of finite phosphorus resources, reducing waste and environmental impact.
What happens next
The research team plans to apply the method to additional soil types and investigate how microbial communities influence phosphorus availability to plants.
Sources
- [1] sciencedaily.com — originally reported as “New soil test could reveal how soil microbes help feed plants”
