Plant fertilization using a microbiological system for phosphorus

Abstract

A primary package, and method of its production, for transferring soluble phosphorus from a secondary package within the primary package to plant root systems without adsorptive loss of phosphorus to surrounding soil constituents. The secondary package contains insoluble rock phosphate particles and a second contingent of microorganisms in a nutrient hydrogen mocroenvironment which allows the microorganisms to act on those phosphate particles to create soluble forms of phosphorus. Alternatively, the secondary package contains granules of commercially refined phosphorus fertilizer packaged to dissolve in a regulated, timed-release fashion. The primary package comprises a cellulosic support device which may be wet, moist or dry, and within which the secondary package is supported along with a vector plant seed or seedling and propagules of primary, plant-beneficial microorganisms. The primary package may be formed into desired configurations and may contain self-adhesive or gel-forming materials. The primary package system is introduced into soil and, under proper environmental conditions, a vector plant develops and the microorganisms become active and form a symbiotic relationship with the vector plant. The growing plant provides a vehicle for inoculating other nearby plant roots with the microorganisms. The microorganisms then transfer soluble phosphorus from the secondary package to the vector plant and then to other plants by a process of translocation. The vector plant may also serve as a buffer for soluble phosphorus and as an agent for the conversion of inorganic to organic forms of soluble phosphorus through its conversion to biomass.