An international team of researchers has improved a method for analyzing DNA-bound phosphorus from soil microorganisms, which could help optimize agriculture, according to infohub.kz.
Specialists from Sultan Qaboos University, the James Hutton Institute, and Oman's Environment Authority worked on developing a simpler and more cost-effective way to measure DNA-bound phosphorus (DNA-P) in soil. The findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences.
Phosphorus is a critical element for plant growth and agricultural production, but its natural reserves are limited. Understanding the processes of retention, transformation, and release of this nutrient is essential for maintaining soil fertility and reducing environmental damage. DNA-bound phosphorus is part of the organic pool associated with living microorganisms and reflects the most active portion of the phosphorus cycle.
In their work, the scientists tested and modified an existing method on 32 soil types from the United Kingdom. The main improvement was eliminating enzymatic treatment, which proved unnecessary. This significantly reduced costs and simplified the procedure without sacrificing accuracy. Ultrafiltration remained a key step, necessary for separating DNA-P from other phosphorus-containing compounds.
The analysis showed that DNA-P levels are closely linked to pH, microbial biomass, and organic matter. The new, more accessible toolkit will help scientists study soil fertility more effectively and develop sustainable agricultural practices.