Phosphorus sources: effects on mahogany nursery trees

Questions persist regarding the best phosphorus (P) sources for tropical soils, especially for forest species. We evaluated the effects of four different P sources (single superphosphate - SSP; triple superphosphate - TSP; Arad reactive rock phosphate - ARP and Yoorin thermophosphate - YT) on nutrients accumulation, phosphorus use efficiency and growth on mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King.) Mahogany is responsive to P fertilizer, however the high water soluble (TSP and SSP) and citric acid (YT) phosphorus sources had a similar effect on mahogany growth. It suggests that the seedlings producer can use any of them but should avoid the use of the ARP source in this stage of plant growth.