The fate of phosphorus during pedogenesis

The fate of phosphorus (P) during pedogenesis is considered with particular emphasis on vertical distribution within the profile. Information is based on P fractionation studies involving a range of soil sequences in New Zealand. Forms of P in soil parent materials are discussed in relation to soil P transformations. Soil chronosequences, developed in contrasting environments, provide useful information on the pedogenetic pathways of soil P. Although less well understood, soil toposequences can be used to elucidate the effects of slope and drainage on soil-forming processes which involve P.