Author
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Sharpley, Andrew |
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Submitted to: CRC Press
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/2000 Publication Date: 8/20/2000 Citation: Sharpley, A.N. 2000. Concluding remarks: future strategies to meet the agricultural and environmental challenges of the 21st century. CRC Press. 3 p. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The book "Agriculture and Phosphorus Management: The Chesapeake Bay," brought together a diverse group of researchers, administrators, policy- makers, extension agents, farm advisors, consultants, farmers, and public- interest groups. Despite their varied backgrounds, a general consensus was reached that P now plays a critical role in agricultural production and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and many other watersheds an basins around the world. It was felt that although there are several P management strategies available that can maintain or improve agricultural productivity while minimizing water quality degradation, most of the options available have complex interactions that will affect their overall effectiveness and economic viability. Even though much research has been done on P in the last 20 years, there are still many unanswered questions regarding agricultural production and its impact on environmental quality. Clearly, there is an urgent need for better information to help resolve production and water quality issues and provide defensible tools and recommendations for P-based nutrient management planning, particularly where changes in farm management may be required. We know that inputs of P are essential for profitable crop and livestock agriculture. However, its export in watershed runoff can accelerate the eutrophication of receiving fresh waters. |
