Phosphorus is a non-renewable, essential nutrient and, in agriculture, the second most limiting after nitrogen; its dynamics in the boreal Podzols of Canada are poorly understood.

Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable, essential element for all life and, in agriculture, the second most limiting nutrient after nitrogen. The dynamics of soil P pools and fluxes, and the underlying biogeochemical processes, vary considerably with soil type, vegetation, and management. Despite this, a notable gap exists in our understanding of phosphorus fluxes and pool dynamics within the natural and agricultural Podzols of boreal Canada, impeding informed management decisions.

To bridge this gap, the study examined the levels and status of phosphorus in Newfoundland farm soils and their correlation with recommended fertilizer rates; evaluated different phosphorus extraction and analysis tests across natural grassland, forested, and agricultural soils; determined phosphorus adsorption isotherms for forested and agricultural soil horizons; investigated phosphorus adsorption capacity under long-term management; and ran a greenhouse trial to assess plant phosphorus uptake from soil layers relevant to land converted from forest to agriculture.

Areas of research interest include phosphorus biogeochemistry in soil, sediment, and water; the effects of environmental factors (erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, higher temperatures, extended growing season) and agricultural management (tillage, fertilizer type, cropping system) on soil phosphorus dynamics; the evaluation of soil tests and nutrient recommendation protocols; and organic waste management for soil health, food production, and environmental protection.