Muscat, Sept. 27 -- Scientists have developed a simpler and cheaper way to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soil, potentially giving researchers a clearer view of how soil microbes recycle the essential nutrient and help make it available to plants.

The method, refined by an international research team including scientists from Sultan Qaboos University, the James Hutton Institute and the Environment Authority of Oman, preserves the accuracy and sensitivity of existing measurements while removing unnecessary steps.

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth and food production, but natural phosphorus reserves are limited. Understanding how the nutrient is stored, transformed and released in soil is therefore important for maintaining fertil...