The use of P/sup 32/ in pot experiments allows the calculation of the amount of nutrient in the plant, coming from the fertilizer, the percentage of the fertilizer taken up by the plant, the isotopic exchangeable soil phosphorus, and the percentage of water insoluble fertilizer which has reacted with the soil solution. Examples are discussed. The validity of isotope dilution equation in pot experiments is discussed, partly in connection with reversible phosphorus exchange between plant and soil and nutrient solution. Kinetic studies are described on determination of isotopic exchangeable soil phosphorus in three or more reactions, which are characterized by the reaction half-time and the amount of phosphorus involved. The processes responsible for the availability of nutrients in soil are discussed briefly. (auth)