The problem of phosphorus (P) fixation is an old one that has been researched for decades. Phosphorus use efficiency is estimated to range from near zero to around 25 percent the first year following application. Unused P has been assumed to eventually increase soil P availability on a macro scale measured as residual P by soil analysis. Our understanding of the problem of P fixation is predicated on a number of primary and secondary reactions which reduce the solubility of fertilizer P materials when they are introduced into the soil. Iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are reactive with fertilizer P and result in lowered availability and use efficiency, depending upon soil conditions. Researchers long have worked to reduce the imipact of these metals on P availability by changing soil pH, reducing soil-fertilizer contact (banding), placement of fertilizer P close to plants and manipulation of the composition of mixtures of P with other nutrients, primarily nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). Recently, new technologies have been studied which modify either the rate at which solid P fertilizers dissolve in the soil or by modification of the chemistry of the microenvironment immediately surrounding dissolving particles or in fluid P bands. Various polymers have been examined in these roles with some success. This paper will focus on the effects of dicarboxylic polymers on P availability, use efficiency and crop response.