ARS | Publication request: THE NATIONAL PHOSPHORUS PROJECT: INTERFACING AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT IN THE U.S.

Submitted to: International Association of Hydrological Science
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: September 20, 2000
Publication Date: October 20, 2000
Citation: Sharpley, A.N., Wright, R.J., Kleinman, P.J., Daniel, T., Parry, R., Sobecki, T., Joern, B. 2000. The national phosphorus project: interfacing agricultural and environmental phosphorus management in the u.s.. International Association Of Hydrological Science. 95-100.

Technical Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is an essential element that is required for crop production and is the primary agent controlling freshwater eutrophication, the process of organic enrichment of water bodies that is the most ubiquitous water quality impairment in the U.S. today. Many of today's eutrophic water bodies can be found in watersheds where an increased number of animal feeding operations in localized areas has forced farmers to apply manure t land at levels that exceed crop P requirements. Recent outbreaks of harmful algal blooms, such as cyanobacteria and Pfiesteria piscicidia, have dramatically increased society's awareness of eutrophication and the need for solutions. In response, the U.S. EPA and USDA have revised their nutrient management policies to address nonpoint sources, as well as crop production, for nationwide adoption. For P, the new policy must address a variety of site-specific factors affecting the risk of P loss, such as soil lP level, potential for surface runoff and erosion, and P management history. At the moment, however, there is insufficient data to implement P-based management strategies in a technically sound way. Thus, the National P Project was created to coordinate research across the U.S. to fill these gaps and meet policy and societal needs.