Author
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MCDOWELL, R - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY |
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CONDRON, L - LINCOLN UNIVERSITY |
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Sharpley, Andrew |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2000 Publication Date: 12/20/2000 Citation: Mcdowell, R.W., Condron, L.M., Sharpley, A.N. 2000. Integrating phosphorus and nitrogen management at catchment scales. Proceedings of the Second Australian and New Zealand National Soil Conference. 3:123-124. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The persistence of water quality problems has directed attention towards the reduction of agricultural non-point sources of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). We assessed the practical impact of three management scenarios to reduce P and N losses from a mixed land use watershed in central PA. Using an agronomic soil P threshold of 100 mg P/kg Mehlich-3, above which no crop response is expected, 80% of our watershed would receive no P as fertilizer or manure. An environmental soil P threshold of 200 mg P/kg Mehlich-3, above which the loss of P in surface runoff and subsurface drainage increases greatly, restricts future P inputs in only 40% of the watershed. Finally, site assessment P and N indices were developed and imposed. These indices contained factors, which account for likely source and transport risks and showed that 20% of the watershed was at high risk or greater of P loss, while 60% of the watershed was classified as of high risk of nitrate leaching. Areas at risk of P loss were near the stream channel, while areas at risk of nitrate leaching were near the boundaries of the watershed, where freely draining soils and high manure and fertilizer N applications coincide. It is suggested that remedial measures to minimize P export should focus on critical source areas, while remedial measures to reduce N losses should be source based, concentrating on the more efficient use of N by crops. |
