ABSTRACT
Nutrients play an important role for the better growth and production of the field crops. In fulfilling the requirements of food along with the globe, through an improvement in crop productivity, balanced nutrition plays a vital role. Food crops require phosphorus (P) as a macronutrient for several 102functions like transfer of energy, cell division, and storage. Phosphorus improves forage, fiber, root growth, and grain yield. It not only strengthens stalk but also improves the early maturity of plants. In resistance against cold injury and root rot disease, P plays its role. Phosphorus is also crucial for cell differentiation and energy transactions. In the plant body, as a part of nucleic acids, phosphor-proteins, and phospholipids, P is a critical constituent of plant cells. The deficiency of P creates a negative impact on the morphology as well as the physiological process of the plants. Many researchers worked on the enhancement of crop productivity and assessed the role of P in plants. This chapter elaborated on three critical aspects of phosphorus; first is the P uses and role in crop plants while the second is the physiological mechanism of P in the plant. The third section discussed the management of P deficiency or toxicity in plants.
