ARS | Publication request: IDENTIFYING CRITICAL SOURCE AREAS OF PHOSPHORUS TRANSPORT IN AGRICULTURAL WATERSHEDS

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 20, 2003
Publication Date: December 20, 2003
Citation: Kleinman, P.J., Srinivasan, M.S. 2003. Identifying critical source areas of phosphorus transport in agricultural watersheds. Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Publications. 1.

Technical Abstract: Excessive loss of nutrients from agricultural soils in runoff is a water quality concern due to accelerated eutrophication, the biological enrichment of surface waters in response to nutrient loadings. The advent of phosphorus site assessment indices represents an important step in controlling nonpoint source phosphorus pollution, and, therefore, eutrophication. This presentation examined interactions among soil, manure management and hydrology, to illustrate opportunities for improved management of phosphorus in agricultural fields. 'Source' management was reviewed, including soil phosphorus and application of manure, fertilizer and biosolid phosphorus. Recent developments in the control of soluble phosphorus losses from fertilized soils were highlighted. Then 'transport' management was summarized, including the application of models to predict where in an agricultural landscape runoff occurs. Finally, strategies for integrated nutrient management were unveiled.