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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141182
Title: PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR MAINTAINING YIELDS AND PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

Author
item Kleinman, Peter
item Sharpley, Andrew
item Weld, Jennifer

Submitted to: Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2002
Publication Date: 11/20/2002
Citation: Kleinman, P.J., Sharpley, A.N., Weld, J.L. 2002. Phosphorus management tools for maintaining yields and protecting water quality [Abstract]. Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting. Paper No. S04-sharpley102230-oral. 2002 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The principle of the P Index (PI) as a tool to manage agricultural P for production and water quality has been widely accepted by most states (27 of 28 in a recent survey) adopting nutrient management planning policies for P. Development and implementation of the PI provides examples of how science can merge with policy with varying degrees of success. For instance, our research has shown the underlying cause of P-related concerns to be a function of farm-gate or regional imbalances of P (i.e., inputs exceed outputs), with animals fed more P than the recommended dietary needs. In such cases, the PI becomes a stop-gap measure to measure P loss issues. This has led some organizations to require farmers to feed closer to NRC requirements to be eligible for cost-share programs. Less success has been achieved in fencing off near-stream areas from grazing livestock, despite demonstrable benefits to controlling P loss. Similarly, although the PI may identify animal loafing or over-wintering areas as critical sources of P, existing policies may preclude their treatment as such. Lastly, we discuss where new research may lead to discontinuities between science and the policy or philosophy of sustainable P management.