Phosphorus nutrition of potatoes

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient required by potatoes and all other plants. Potato plant roots readily absorb P in the form of phosphate from the soil ( water) solution. The absorbed phosphate moves upward and downward in the plant. Phosphorus-deficient potato plants transfer P from older tissues to actively growing, younger tissues. Symptoms of P deficiency include darker green, stunted, spindly leaves with younger leaflets that turn upward or curl. With prolonged deficiency, plants are small and have reduced leaf area