--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260616-de-sangosse-highlights-technologies-to-improve-phosphate-availability-and-herbicide-performance/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # De Sangosse highlights technologies to improve phosphate availability and herbicide performance Publication Date: 2026-06-16T13:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-06-16T03:24:45-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Crop Protection](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/crop-protection/), [European Union](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/european-union/) ![Hoddom, Scotland - September 6, 2021 : Claas agricultural tractor with manure spreader spreading manure](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hoddom-scotland-september-6-2021-claas-agricultural-tractor-with-manure-spreader-spreading-manure-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) The company says soil chemistry and water quality management can help growers increase nutrient efficiency, strengthen crop establishment, and improve weed control. A large share of applied phosphate fertilizer becomes unavailable to crops shortly after application due to interactions with soil minerals, reducing nutrient use efficiency and potentially limiting yields, according to agronomy specialists at [De Sangosse](https://www.desangosse.co.uk/). Speaking at the recent Farmers Weekly Arable Insights Live event hosted by Dyson Farming, the company said as much as 80% of applied phosphate can become locked in soils within days, while less than 10% may be crop-available during the first year. Phosphate fixation occurs when phosphorus binds to positively charged ions such as calcium in alkaline soils or iron and aluminum in acidic soils. According to De Sangosse technical manager Rob Suckling, technologies that target these cations can help maintain phosphate in a soluble, plant-available form. The company said field research has shown phosphate availability increasing by 15-25% over four to six weeks, with associated improvements in root growth, early vigor, and yields across crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape, potatoes, maize, and sugar beet. Trials have also indicated enhanced uptake of micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, and copper. The company also highlighted water quality as a critical factor affecting herbicide performance, particularly for glyphosate applications. More than 70% of UK farms use moderate to very hard water, according to the company, and dissolved calcium and magnesium in spray water can reduce herbicide effectiveness by binding with active ingredients. De Sangosse said water conditioners designed to neutralize these cations before herbicide mixing can improve weed control consistency. Citing guidance from the Weed Resistance Action Group, the company noted that hard water can reduce glyphosate efficacy by up to 30%, increasing the risk of under-dosing and potentially contributing to herbicide resistance, including confirmed cases of glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass in the UK. Source: [Farmers Weekly](https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/nutrition-and-fertiliser/how-to-unlock-phosphate-and-improve-herbicide-efficacy) Tags: [de sangosse](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/de-sangosse/), [Dyson](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/dyson/), [herbicide](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/herbicide/), [phosphate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/phosphate/), [Phosphate fertilizer](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/phosphate-fertilizer/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.