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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #178518
Title: THE PENNSYLVANIA PHOSPHORUS INDEX: INTEGRATING FARM MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

Author
item BEEGLE, DOUG - PENN STATE UNIV
item Gburek, William
item Kleinman, Peter
item Sharpley, Andrew
item Weld, Jennifer

Submitted to: Lancaster Farming
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2005
Publication Date: 7/1/2005
Citation: Beegle, D., Gburek, W.J., Kleinman, P.J., Sharpley, A.N., Weld, J.L. 2005. The pennsylvania phosphorus index: integrating farm management options. Lancaster Farming. July:A1.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: The Pennsylvania Phosphorus Index: Version 1 has been selected by the Pennsylvania US Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to address phosphorus management as a part of the agency’s 590 Nutrient Management Practice Standard. This standard provides guidance to agency personnel in developing nutrient management plans. Additionally, one of the proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s nutrient management regulations is to include a Phosphorus Index component in nutrient management plans. With the increased emphasis on phosphorus management and use of the Phosphorus Index in Pennsylvania, there is a need to examine the Index and how it can account for farm management practices. By using the Phosphorus Index in farm plan development, several practices are identified to reduce the risk of phosphorus loss. However, not all practices are appropriate for all situations, therefore, it is important to match the practice not only with the field conditions, but also with the producer’s objectives and goals.