The basic phenomena of phosphorus dynamics in soil is important to define the rate and application manners of phosphates fertilizers. The forms and availability of phosphorus vary with the soil characteristics and properties. In young soils, the calcium phosphates are the main source to organisms. On the other hand, in highly weathered soils the organic phosphorus cycling assumes great importance in the maintenance of the biological bioavailability, although it is insufficient to economical crop productivity. In tropical and subtropical cultivated soils, the soil phosphorus in solution is controlled by phosphorus adsorbed at functional groups of inorganic colloids. The phosphorus diagnosis is made by soils analysis at different methodologies, each one with their advantages and limitations. The decision on adding phosphate and to the rate define is more dependent on the calibration between the value extracted with the crop yield than the extraction method. The elevation of phosphorus availability can be made in corrective or gradual addition. The corrective fertilization is more efficient, and maybe the only alternative, for phosphorus deficiency correction in deeper soil layers. The correction of phosphorus deficiency in deeper layers after the no-tillage system adoption is difficult. The superficial phosphate application in no-tillage seems not to be a good economical alternative and can become an environmental problem. The research must be intensified focusing among others: (a) phosphorus fractions in soil and crop yield; (b) phosphates fertilizers application in no-tillage system; (c) relation of phosphorus availability with exchangeable aluminum and compacted soil layers in soil deep; (d) monitoring of transferred phosphate from soil to aquatic systems.
phosphorus adsorption and desorption; colloids; analysis methods; yield
