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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #120996

Title: PHOSPHORUS FACTS

Author
item Sharpley, Andrew

Submitted to: National Pork Producers Council Professional Swine Managers Training Handbook
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2001
Publication Date: 12/20/2001
Citation: Sharpley, A.N. 2001. Phosphorus facts. National Pork Producers Council Professional Swine Managers Training Handbook. 4 p.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agriculture, particularly livestock agriculture, is receiving increasing public scrutiny due to non-point source phosphorus (P) pollution and eutrophication. Much of today's situation may be attributed to system level trends in specialization and intensification that result in excess P entering livestock farms. Balancing P at the farm gate represents a necessary step for long-term soil and water quality protection. Remedial management combines source and transport control that confront critical areas of P export in surface and subsurface runoff from agricultural landscapes. Source management seeks to immobilize P in the environment through such strategies as reducing soluble P in manure, targeting P application to soils with high retention capacities, and managing soil P. Transport controls employ an understanding of loss or transfer mechanisms to avoid P application on areas with a high transport potential. Also, the epotential for P transport can be reduced by implementation of conservation practices such as reduced tillage, terracing, and stream buffers. This paper details in bullet form the facts concerning P management for agricultural production and water quality.