Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development, second only to nitrogen in abundance. It is frequently limited in soil, requiring the application of P-fertilizers to improve plant productivity. One critical function of P in plants is its role in the dark phase of photosynthesis, where it functions in energy storage and transfer, carbon fixation, regulation of the dark phase, and nucleotide and coenzyme biosynthesis. P is a foundational component of important molecules like ATP and essential coenzymes, which are crucial for efficient carbon fixation and energy conversion during the Calvin cycle. Sustainable P-management strategies and improved agricultural practices are necessary to optimize plant growth and ensure sustainable agricultural production in the face of P-limitations.