Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the level of phytate in plants. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of modulating the level of phytate utilizing nucleic acids comprising Ins (1,3,4,5,6)P.sub.52-kinase (IP2K) nucleotide sequences to modulate the expression of IP2K in a plant of interest. The compositions and methods of the invention find use in agriculture for improving the nutritional quality of food and feed by reducing the levels of phytate and/or increasing the levels of non-phytate phosphorus in food and feed. The invention also finds use in reducing the environmental impact of animal waste.