Commonly available commercial phosphate fertilizers move very little from point of contact with the soil—resulting in inefficient utilization of surface-applied materials. An organic phosphate compound, glycerophos-phate, has been shown to move through the soil with applied irrigation water. Potential utilization advantages of glycerophosphate as a fertilizer include: possible correction of deficiencies in mid-season; application with the water in sprinkler or drip irrigation systems; and proper placement, and timing of surface applications.