Managing Agricultural Phosphorus for Protection of Surface Waters: Issues and Options

TLDR

Eutrophication of freshwater is largely driven by excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff, with nonpoint sources now dominating due to reduced point source inputs and leading to soil P buildup that poses environmental risks. The study aims to identify environmentally concerning soil P levels, target specific control measures for watershed water quality, and balance economic and environmental objectives. The authors integrate agricultural and limnological expertise to prioritize watershed practices and remedial strategies, using runoff and erosion controls, P‑source management, soil test P screening, and vulnerability indices to target specific source areas.

Abstract

Abstract The accelerated eutrophication of most freshwaters is limited by P inputs. Nonpoint sources of P in agricultural runoff now contribute a greater portion of freshwater inputs, due to easier identification and recent control of point sources. Although P management is an integral part of profitable agrisystems, continued inputs of fertilizer and manure P in excess of crop requirements have led to a build‐up of soil P levels, which are of environmental rather than agronomic concern, particularly in areas of intensive crop and livestock production. Thus, the main issues facing the establishment of economically and environmentally sound P management systems are the identification of soil P levels that are of environmental concern; targeting specific controls for different water quality objectives within watersheds; and balancing economic with environmental values. In developing effective options, we have brought together agricultural and limnological expertise to prioritize watershed management practices and remedial strategies to mitigate nonpoint‐source impacts of agricultural P. Options include runoff and erosion control and P‐source management, based on eutrophic rather than agronomic considerations. Current soil test P methods may screen soils on which the aquatic bioavailability of P should be estimated. Landowner options to more efficiently utilize manure P include basing application rates on soil vulnerability to P loss in runoff, manure analysis, and programs encouraging manure movement to a greater hectareage. Targeting source areas may be achieved by use of indices to rank soil vulnerability to P loss in runoff and lake sensitivity to P inputs.