ARS | Publication request: Revision of the 590 nutrient management standard: SERA-17 recommendations

Submitted to: SERA-IEG 17 Bulletin
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: January 12, 2011
Publication Date: January 19, 2011
Citation: Sharpley, A., Beegle, D., Bolster, C.H., Good, L., Joern, B., Ketterings, Q., Lory, J., Mikkelsen, R., Osmond, D., Vadas, P.A. 2011. Revision of the 590 nutrient management standard: SERA-17 recommendations. SERA-IEG 17 Bulletin. White Paper.

Technical Abstract: In late 2009, NRCS requested a Working Group within SERA-17 be established to review and revise the 590 Nutrient Management Conservation Standard. This was in response to growing concern in certain areas of the U.S., that current risk assessment tools were not bringing about as great a change in phosphorus (P) management or P load reductions from agricultural lands as deemed accepted by some action agencies and NGOs. The SERA-17 Working Group were given five charges by NRCS, related to P loss risk assessment as part of the 590 that were to define: (1) criteria establishing the range of soil test P (STP) values where a P Index risk assessment is needed; (2) upper P Index threshold that limits P application; (3) minimum requirements of P Indices; (4) a process to evaluate P Indices; and (5) long-term goals for development of the next generation P Indices. This report documents the findings and recommendations of the SERA-17 Working Group. This document was reviewed by SERA-17 members, NRCS, EPA, and NGOs, and represents to the best degree possible, a consensus statement of P loss risk assessment for agricultural sites.