SSMG-1 (C. S. Snyder, T. W. Bruulsema, A. N. Sharpley, and D. B. Beegle)

Site-Specific Use of the Environmental Phosphorus Index Concept

Summary:

Phosphorus (P) loss to surface water can have negative impacts on 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 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 high 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.

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