Phosphorus is one of three major nutrients needed by plants. But unlike
nitrogen and potassium, phosphorus is not readily available to plants,
so it must be applied in fertilizer.
In the United States and in Europe, where animal production is a significant
part of agriculture, there is an excess of phosphorus in the soil, arriving
in the form of manure spread on fields as fertilizer. If the phosphorus
levels in the soil become too high, the phosphorus can run off into
streams and lakes. Because phosphorus is a basic plant nutrient, this
runoff can lead to an overgrowth of algae and aquatic weeds, which can
choke out the fish living in the water.
In the tropics, particles in the highly acidic soils bind phosphorus
so well that little of it is available to crops. Also, poor farmers
in those developing nations often can't afford to buy fertilizer. The
result is crops that are starved for the nutrient, greatly reducing
yield. The problem is especially acute in South America, Africa and
Asia.
"It's unfortunate that in the areas of the world where we have
an enormous population and a big demand for food that the soils in these
areas are most affected by phosphorus deficiency," Raghothama says.
Raghothama continues to investigate the genetic responses to phosphorus
deficiency. He is now focusing on what he calls the "switches and
buttons" that determine how a plant responds to phosphorus starvation.
"If our Midwestern crops could better utilize phosphorus, we could
reduce the amount of it we apply to the soil, and therefore reduce the
possibility of environmental contamination," he says.
The award recognizes a scientist with less than 15 years experience
beyond their doctorate who has demonstrated a high level of excellence
in research and made significant contributions to agriculture, natural
resources and the quality of life for Indiana citizens.
The recipient is selected by a committee of peers and receives a $1,000
honorarium and $5,000 in funding to support his or her research.
Woodson says that in addition to being a top researcher, Raghothama
also is an excellent teacher. "He has a talent for explaining this
subject to his students," Woodson says.
Raghothama came to Purdue in 1988 after receiving his doctorate from
Washington State University. He is a native of Bangalore, India.
Contact K.G. Raghothama at ragu@hort.purdue.edu
