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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #106578
Title: SITE SPECIFIC USE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHOSPHORUS INDEX CONCEPT

Author
item SNYDER, C - POTASH & PHOSPHATE INST.
item BRUULSEMA, T - POTASH & PHOSPHATE INST.
item Sharpley, Andrew
item BEEGLE, D - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Potash and Phosphate Institute Guides
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: Snyder, C.S., Bruulsema, T.W., Sharpley, A.N., Beegle, D.B. 1999. Site specific use of the environmental phosphorus index concept. Potash and Phosphate Institute Guides. 4 p.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Phosphorus (P) loss to surface water can have negative impacts in the environment. The risk of such loss depends on both source (added fertilizer and manure, soil P) and transport factors (erosion and surface runoff). Fields at high risk are those where areas of high P application or soil P coincide with zones of active surface runoff or erosion. A P index has been developed to rank field vulnerability to P loss so that hig risk fields may be identified for site-specific management. The index provides a framework that can be regionally adapted to prevailing topography, geology, and climatic conditions and requires only readily available data. This fact sheet describes the technical basis of the index and shows its application to a watershed in Pennsylvania.