Reducing unintended consequences of agricultural phosphorus

Authors: FLATEN, DON - University Of Manitoba; SHARPLEY, ANDREW - University Of Arkansas; JARVIE, HELEN - Centre For Ecology And Hydrology; Kleinman, Peter

Submitted to: Better Crops
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2019
Publication Date: 4/1/2019
Citation: Flaten, D., Sharpley, A., Jarvie, H., Kleinman, P.J. 2019. Reducing unintended consequences of agricultural phosphorus. Better Crops. 103:33-35. https://doi.org/10.24047/BC10316.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24047/BC10316

Interpretive Summary: The impairment of surface water bodies by phosphorus, especially nonpoint sources of phosphorus, remains a challenging, persistent, and widespread problem that threatens not only water quality but also water security. Experience with nonpoint source phosphorus management has yielded valuable lessons that suggest mitigation strategies should be approached in a similar fashion to medical intervention for human health. Such an approach should more precisely diagnose and treat the root causes of poor water quality, and would help to reassess the broader goals of improving overall environmental health.

Technical Abstract: The impairment of surface water bodies by phosphorus, especially nonpoint sources of phosphorus, remains a challenging, persistent, and widespread problem that threatens not only water quality but also water security. Experience with nonpoint source phosphorus management has yielded valuable lessons that suggest mitigation strategies should be approached in a similar fashion to medical intervention for human health. Such an approach should more precisely diagnose and treat the root causes of poor water quality, and would help to reassess the broader goals of improving overall environmental health.