When phosphate fertilizer farmers lose income, the environment can be negatively impacted. A study was conducted with the objective of surveying total P and available P (Bray 1) concentrations in 123 soil samples collected from the major vegetable planting areas in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Corn growth and the relationship between maximum P sorption and P release as controlled by physical and chemical elements in soil were investigated. Corn growth in soil that had ranges of available P rated as low to high was measured with and without P fertilizeraddition. The total P soil concentrations ranged from 210 to 2,590 mgP/kg soil, of which 85.6% of the samples were classified as being P rich (i.e concentrations were 440 mgP/kg or higher). Available P concentrations ranged from 2.47 to 224 mg/kg, of which 74.0% of the soil samples were classified as P rich (i.e. concentrations were 20.4 mgP/kg or higher). Maximum P sorption ranged from 555 to 714 mg P/kg soil. PH soil, clay content, free and amorphous iron oxide/hydroxide and available P were significantly correlated with maximum P sorption. Maximum P release was 12 to 61.9 mg P/kg soil. Total P, available P, andmaximum P sorption all were significantly correlated with maximum P release. Corn grown in soil with available P concentrations >15 mg P/kg did not respond to P fertilizer applied in the greenhouse or in the field.