Phosphorus plays an important role in a number of processes in plants, especially in photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, membrane formation, energy generation, glycolysis, respiration and nitrogen fixation. Although total P in the soils are high but their availability to plants is too low to meet the requirements so viable strategies are needed to solublized the inorganic P and to use the RP (insoluble source of P) to decrease the dependence on costly chemical fertilizers in crop production . For the transformation of insoluble phosphorus (PR) to soluble form, composting technology would serve as breakthrough and provided optimal conditions. The objective of the study was to optimize the compost: RP ratio, time and temperature conditions for maximum solublization of P by composting. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of composting technology to solublize the rock phosphate in soil and also to develop optimum conditions for better release of available P for growth and development of crop plants.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a common problem around the globe. Application of P fertilizers is problematic in agriculture systems because of high cost and environmental concerns. To produce more P efficient plants by recombinant breeding or biotechnology, identification of P efficiency mechanisms is a pre-requisite. The book describes the simple methodology of solution culture, sand culture and soil culture experiments which were conducted to study the P efficiency mechanisms in Brassica. Different cultivars exhibited significant growth differences and P uptake. Cultivars were categorized into different groups on the basis of growth and P uptake. High biomass production per mg P absorbed, changes in root morphology and exudation of organic acids were the possible mechanisms for high P efficiency in plants. The book is written in a simple way that undergraduate and post graduate students can plan, conduct and write basic research trials in plant nutrition.

Nitrogen Assessment: Pakistan as a Case-Study provides a detailed overview of issues and challenges related to nitrogen use and overuse, thus serving as a reference for researchers in Pakistan and providing important insights for other geographic regions. Excess and inefficient nitrogen use in crops and livestock sectors is polluting our rivers, seas, atmosphere, and ecosystems, contributing to climate change, hampering biodiversity, and contributing to stratospheric ozone depletion. This book covers the importance of nitrogen in relation to food security, human health, and economic stability in South Asia. It also discusses nitrogen status, sources, sinks, and drivers of nitrogen use in Pakistan, focusing on current nitrogen measures and policies. Nitrogen pollution is one of the biggest challenges of 21st Century, and the international scientific community is beginning to recognize the significance of nitrogen pollution and to explore how to combat it. The editors' institution, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, partners with South Asia Nitrogen Hub, which includes about 30 organizations from South Asia and UK working on nitrogen assessment, budgeting, awareness, and policy guidance, as well as possible measures to reduce nitrogen pollution. Nitrogen Assessment: Pakistan as a Case-Study provides an important guide to this work and is written in a way that is accessible to an audience with a wide range of experience from advanced students to seasoned researchers.