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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141178
Title: A STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF P-INDEX IMPLEMENTATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Author
item KOGELMANN, W. - PENN STATE UNIV.
item LIN, H. - PENN STATE UNIV.
item Bryant, Ray

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/2/2003
Publication Date: 11/6/2003
Citation: Kogelmann, W.J., Lin, H., Bryant, R.B. 2003. A statewide assessment of the impacts of P-index implementation in Pennsylvania [Abstract]. Agronomy Abstracts. Paper No. 100448.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Phosphorus (P) based nutrient management regulations may affect the viability of agricultural systems in PA. Identification of areas likely to be impacted by P regulations will allow targeting of state programs and maximum reduction of P losses. A GIS analysis based on a large soils database (1996-2001) and available geospatial data concluded the following: Nearly half of soil samples exceeded the agronomic optimum P level, suggesting widespread over fertilization. Over 95% of soil samples had P levels below the 200 ppm threshold for full P-Index use. Spatial trends indicated that southeastern PA had a high percentage of samples exceeding the P-Index screening level. There was a subtle trend of increasing soil P on agricultural lands. There is a positive relationship between mean soil test P for a zipcode and animal density. Mountainous areas tend to have a higher proportion of agricultural land within 150 feet of streams. A weighted combination of percentage of soils samples exceeding 200 ppm P and proportion of agricultural lands within 150 feet of streams, revealed areas where P loss risk may be high and P-Index implementation may impact agricultural enterprises.