Skip to main content
Log in

The environmentally-sound management of agricultural phosphorus

  • Published:
Fertilizer research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Freshwater eutrophication is often accelerated by increased phosphorus (P) inputs, a greater share of which now come from agricultural nonpoint sources than two decades ago. Maintenance of soil P at levels sufficient for crop needs is an essential part of sustainable agriculture. However, in areas of intensive crop and livestock production in Europe and the U.S.A., P has accumulated in soils to levels that are a long-term eutrophication rather than agronomic concern. Also, changes in land management in Europe and the U.S.A. have increased the potential for P loss in surface runoff and drainage. There is, thus, a need for information on how these factors influence the loss of P in agricultural runoff. The processes controlling the build-up of P in soil, its transport in surface and subsurface drainage in dissolved and particulate forms, and their biological availability in freshwater systems, are discussed in terms of environmentally sound P management. Such management will involve identifying P sources within watersheds; targeting cost-effective remedial measures to minimize P losses; and accounting for different water quality objectives within watersheds. The means by which this can be achieved are identified and include developing soil tests to determine the relative potential for P enrichment of agricultural runoff to occur; establishing threshold soil P levels which are of environmental concern; finding alternative uses for animal manures to decrease land area limitations for application; and adopting management systems integrating measures to reduce P sources as well as runoff and erosion potential.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aarts HFJ, Biewinga EE and Van Keulen H (1993) Dairy farming systems based on efficient nutrient management. Netherlands J of Agric Sci 40: 285–299.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Adriano DC, Novak LT, Erikson AE, Wolcott AR and Ellis BG (1975) Effect of long-term disposal by spray irrigation of food processing wastes on some chemical properties of the soil and subsurface water. J Environ Qual 4: 242–248

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Bache BW and Williams EG (1971) A phosphate sorption index for soils. J Soil Sci 22: 289–301

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bailey-Watts AE and Kirika A (1987) A reassessment of phosphorus inputs to Loch Leven (Kinross, Scotland): Rationale and an overview of results on instantaneous loadings with special reference to runoff. Trans Royal Soc of Edinburgh. Earth Sci 78: 351–367

    Google Scholar 

  5. Baker JL, Campbell KL, Johnson HP and Hanway JJ (1975) Nitrate, phosphorus and sulfate in subsurface drainage waters. J Environ Qual 4: 406–412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Berry JT and Hargett NL (1989) Fertilizer summary data, 1988 TVA/NFDC-89/3, Bulletin Y-209. Natl Fert Develop Center, TVA, Muscle Shoals, AL, pp130

    Google Scholar 

  7. Bolton EF, Aylesworth JW and Hove FR (1970) Nutrient losses through tile drainage under three cropping systems and two fertility levels on a Brookston clay soil. Can J Soil Sci 50: 272–279

    Google Scholar 

  8. Breeuwsma A and Silva S (1992) Phosphorus fertilization and environmental effects in The Netherlands and the Po region (Italy). Rep. 57. Agric. Res. Dep. The Winand Staring Centre for Integrated Land, Soil and Water Research. Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Google Scholar 

  9. Burwell RE, Schuman GE, Heinemann HG and Spomer RG (1977) Nitrogen and phosphorus movement from agricultural watersheds. J Soil and Water Conserv 32: 226–230

    Google Scholar 

  10. Cogger G and Duxbury JM (1984) Factors affecting phosphorus losses from cultivated organic soils. J Environ Qual 13: 111–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Culley JLB, Bolton EF and Bernyk V (1983) Suspended solids and phosphorus loads from a clay soil: I. Plot studies. J Environ Qual 12: 493–498

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Delumyea RG and Petel RL (1977) Atmospheric inputs of phosphorus to southern Lake Huron, April-October, 1975. U.S. EPA Report No. 600/3-77-038. Duluth, MN

  13. Dorich RA, Nelson DW and Sommers LE (1980) Algal availability of sediment phosphorus in drainage water of the Black Creek watershed. J Environ Qual 9: 557–563

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Duxbury JM and Peverly JH (1978) Nitrogen and phosphorus losses from organic soils. J Environ Qual 7: 566–570

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Elder FC (1975) International Joint Commission Program for Atmospheric Loading of the Upper Great Lakes. Second Interagency Committee on Marine Science and Engineering Conference on the Great Lakes, Argonne, IL

  16. Federico AC, Dickson KG, Kratzer CR and Davis FE (1981) Lake Okeechobee water quality studies and eutrophication assessment. Tech. Pub. 81-2. South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL. 270 pp

  17. Fox RL and Kamprath EJ (1971) Adsorption and leaching of P in acid organic soils and high organic matter sand. Soil Sci Soc Am Proc 35: 154–156

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Foy RH, Smith RV, Stevens RJ and Stewart DA (1982) Identification of factors affecting nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to Lough Neagh. J Environ Manag 15: 109–129

    Google Scholar 

  19. Gotoh S and Patrick WH Jr (1974) Transformations of iron in a waterlogged soil as influenced by redox potential and pH. Soil Sci Soc Am Proc 38: 66–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Hanway, JJ and Laflen JM (1974) Plant nutrient losses from tile outlet terraces. J Environ Qual 7: 208–212

    Google Scholar 

  21. Harper DM and Stewart DM (1987) The effects of land use upon water chemistry, particularly nutrient enrichment, in shallow lowland lakes: comparative studies of three lochs in Scotland. Hydrobiologica 148: 211–229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Haynes RJ and Williams PH (1992) Long term effect of superphosphate on accumulation of soil phosphorus and exchangeable actions on a grazed, irrigated pasture site. Plant and Soil 42: 123–133

    Google Scholar 

  23. Hillbricht-Ilkowska A (1988) Transport and transformation of phosphorus compounds in watersheds of Baltic Lakes. p. 193–206. In Tiessen H (ed) Phosphorus Cycles in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems. Regional Workshop 1: Europe. May 1988, Czerniejewo, Poland. Published by Saskatchewan Institute of Pedology, Saskatoon, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  24. House WA and Casey H (1989) Transport of phosphorus in rivers. pp. 253–282. In Tiessen H (ed) Phosphorus Cycles in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems. Proceedings of the SCOPE and UNEP 7: Europe. May 1 – May 6, 1988, Czerniejewo, Poland

    Google Scholar 

  25. Houston JA and Brooker MP (1981) A comparison of nutrient sources and behaviour in two lowland sub-catchments of the River Wye. Water Res 15: 49–57

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Hortensteine CC and Forbes RB (1972) Concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and total soluble salts in soil solution samples from fertilized and unfertilized histosols. J Environ Qual 1: 466–449

    Google Scholar 

  27. Huettl PJ, Wendt RC and Corey RB (1979) Prediction of algal available phosphorus in runoff suspension. J Environ Qual 4: 541–548

    Google Scholar 

  28. Iserman K (1990) Share of agriculture in nitrogen and phosphorus emissions into the surface waters of Western Europe against the background of their eutrophication. Fert Res 26: 253–269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Johnes PJ (1990) An investigation of the effects of land use upon water quality in the Windrush catchment. D. Phil Thesis, University of Oxford

  30. Johnston AE (1989) Phosphorus cycling in intensive arable agriculture. p. 123–126. In: Tiessen H (ed) Proceedings of a SCOPE and UNEP Workshop, May 1 to May 6, 1988, Czerniejewo, Poland

    Google Scholar 

  31. Kauppi L (1990) Hydrology: Water quality changes pp. 43–66. In Solomon AM and Kauppi L (eds) Towards Ecological Sustainability in Europe. International Institute for Applied System Analysis, Laxemburg, Austria

    Google Scholar 

  32. Khalid RA, Patrick WH Jr and Delaune RD (1977) Phosphorus sorption characteristics of flooded soils. Soil Sci Soc Am J 41: 301–305

    Google Scholar 

  33. Kiely PV (1981) Catchment pollution. p. 87–91. In Logan JC (ed) Nitrogen Losses and Surface Runoff from Landspreading of Manures. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  34. Klausner SD Zaverman PJ and Ellis DF (1976) Nitrogen and phosphorus losses from winter disposal of dairy manure. J Environ Qual 5: 46–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Kotak BG, Kenefick SL, Fritz DL, Rousseaux CG, Prepas EE and Hrudey SE (1993) Occurence and toxicological evaluation of cyanobacterial toxins in Alberta lakes and farm dugouts. Water Res 27: 495–506

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Krogstad T and Lovstad O (1989) Erosion, phosphorus, and phytoplankton response in rivers of South-eastern Norway. Hydrobiologia 183: 33–41

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Lawton LA and Codd GA (1991) Cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) toxins and their significance in U.K. and European waters. J Inst Wat Environ Manag 5: 460–465

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Lee GF (1973) Role of phosphorus in eutrophication and diffuse source control. Water Res 7: 111–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Lemunyon JL and Gilbert RG (1993) Concept and need for a phosphorus assessment tool. J Prod Agric. 6: 483–486

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Levine SL and Schindler DW (1989) Phosphorus nitrogen and carbon dynamics of experimental lake 303 during recovery from eutrophication. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 46: 2–10

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Lund JWG and Moss B (1990) Eutrophication in the United Kingdom, Trends in the 1980's. A report to the Soap and Detergent Industry, Hayes, Middlesex, United Kingdom. 81 pp

    Google Scholar 

  42. McAllister JSV (1976) Studies in Northern Ireland on problems related to the disposal of slurry. pp. 418–431. London, United Kingdom. Agriculture and Water Quality, Technical Bulletin 32, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, London, United Kingdom

    Google Scholar 

  43. McColl RHS (1974) Self-purification of small freshwater streams: Phosphate, nitrate and ammonia removal. NZ J Mar Freshwater Res 8: 375–388

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. McColl RHS, White E and Gibson AR (1977) Phosphorus and nitrate runoff in hill pasture and forest catchments, Taita, New Zealand. NZ J Mar Freshwater Res 11: 729–744

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. McCollum RE (1991) Buildup and decline in soil phosphorus: 30-year trends on a Typic Umprabuult. Agron J 83: 77–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. McDowell LL and McGregor KC (1984) Plant nutrient losses in runoff from conservation tillage corn. Soil Tillage Res 4: 79–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Miller WE, Greene JC and Shiroyarna T (1978) TheSelenastrum capricornutum Printz alagal assay bottle test and data interpretation protocol. U.S. EPA, Tech Rep EPA-600/9-78-018, Corvallis, OR

  48. Miller MH (1979) Contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to subsurface drainage water from intensively cropped mineral and organic soils in Ontario. J Environ Qual 8: 42–48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1985) Phosphate and Potash for Rotations. Booklet 2496, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, London, United Kingdom. 13 pp

    Google Scholar 

  50. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1991) Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, London, United Kingdom. 80pp

    Google Scholar 

  51. Morgan RPC (1992) Soil conservation options in the U.K. Soil Use and Manag 8: 176–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Mozaffari M and Sims JT (1994) Phosphorus availability and sorption in an Atlantic Coastal Plain watershed dominated by animal-based agriculture. Soil Sci. 157: 97–107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Murphy TJ and Doskey PV (1975) Inputs of phosphorus from precipitation to Lake Michigan. U.S. EPA Report No 600/3-75-005. Duluth, MN

  54. Muscutt AD, Harris GL, Bailey SW and Davies DB (1993) Buffer zones to improve water quality: a review of their potential use in U.K. agriculture. Agric Ecosyst and Environ 45: 59–77

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. National Rivers Authority (1990) Toxic Blue-green Algae. NRA Water Quality Series No. 2 Peterborough, United Kindgom. 125 pp

  56. Nicholaichuk W and Read DWL (1978) Nutrient runoff from fertilized and unfertilized fields in western Canada. J Environ Qual 7: 542–544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Nicholls KH and MacCrimmon HR (1974) Nutrients in subsurface and runoff waters of the Holland Marsh, Ontario. J Environ Qual 3: 31–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Olness AE, Smith SJ, Rhoades ED and Menzel RG (1975) Nutrient and sediment discharge from agricultural watersheds in Oklahoma. J Environ Qual 4: 331–336

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1982) Eutrophication of Waters: Monitoring, Assessment, and Control. OECD Paris, France

  60. Ozanne PG, Kirton DJ and Shaw TC (1961) The loss of phosphorus from sandy soils. Aust J Agric Res 12: 409–423

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Palmstrom NS, Carlson RE and Cooke GD (1988) Potential links between eutrophication and formation of carcinogens in drinking water. Lake Reserv Manag 4: 1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Peters RH (1981) Phosphorus availability in Lake Memphremagog and its tributaries. Limnol Oceanogr 26: 1150–1161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Ponnamperuma FN (1972) The chemistry of submerged soils. Soil Sci Soc Am Proc 41: 305–310

    Google Scholar 

  64. Porcella DB, Kumazar JS and Middlebrooks EJ (1970) Biological effects on sediment-water nutrient interchange. J Sanit Eng Div Proc Am Soc Civil Eng 96: 911–926

    Google Scholar 

  65. Rast W and Lee GF (1978) Summary analysis of the North American (U.S. Portion) OECD eutrophication project: Nutrient loading - lake response relationships and trophic state indices. EPA 600/3-78-008, U.S. EPA, Corvallis, OR

    Google Scholar 

  66. Romkens MJM and Nelson DW (1974) Phosphorus relationships in runoff from fertilized soil. J Environ Qual 3: 10–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Rohlich GA and O'Connor DJ (1980) Phosphorus management for the Great Lakes. Final Rep., Phosphorus Management Strategies Task Force. Int Joint Commission (IJC). PLUARG Tech. Rep

  68. Ryden JC, Syers JK and Harris RF (1973) Phosphorus in runoff and streams. Adv Agron 25: 1–45

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Ryding SO and Rast W (1989) The Control of Eutrophication of Lakes and Reservoirs. Man and the Biosphere Series, Volume 1. Unexco, Paris and the Parthenon Publishing Group, Paris, France

    Google Scholar 

  70. Ryding SO, Enell M and Wennberg L (1990) Swedish agricultural nonpoint source pollution: A summary of research and findings. Lake and Reserv Manag 6: 207–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Sawhney BL (1977) Predicting phosphate movement through soil columns. J Environ Qual 6: 86–89

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Schindler DW and Nighswander JE (1970) Nutrient supply and primary production in Clear Lake, eastern Ontario. J Fish Res Board Can 27: 260–262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Schreiber JD (1988) Estimating soluble phosphorus (PO4-P) in agricultural runoff. J Miss Acad Sci 33: 1–15

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Sharpley AN (1985) The selective erosion of plant nutrients in runoff. Soil Sci Soc Am J 49: 1527–1534

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Sharpley AN (1991) Soil phosphorus extracted by ironaluminum-oxide-impregnated filter paper. Soil Sci Soc Am J 55: 1038–1041

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Sharpley AN (1993) An innovative approach to estimate bioavailable phosphorus in agricultural runoff using iron oxide-impregnated paper. J Environ Qual 22: 597–601

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Sharpley AN and Smith SJ (1994) Wheat tillage and water quality in the Southern Plains. Soil Tillage Res 30: 33–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Sharpley AN and Syers JK (1979a) Phosphorus inputs into a stream draining an agricultural watershed: II. Amounts and relative significance of runoff types. Water, Air and Soil Pollut 11: 417–428

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Sharpley AN and Syers JK (1979b) Loss of nitrogen and phosphorus in tile drainage as influenced by urea application and grazing animals. NZ J Agric Res 22: 127–131

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Sharpley AN, Daniel TC and Edwards DR (1993) Phosphorus movement in the landscape. J Prod Agric 6: 492–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Sharpley AN, Reed LW and Simmons DK (1982) Relationships between available soil phosphorus forms and their role in water quality modeling. Okla Agric Expt Sta Tech Bull T-157. Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK. 40 pp

    Google Scholar 

  82. Sharpley AN, Tillman RW and Syers JK (1977) Use of laboratory extraction data to predict losses of dissolved inorganic phsophate in surface runoff and tile drainage. J Environ Qual 6: 33–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Sharpley AN, Smith SJ, Jones OR, Berg WA and Coleman GA (1992) The transport of bioavailable phosphorus in agricultural runoff. J Environ Qual 21: 30–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Sharpley AN, Chapra SC, Wedepohl R, Sims JT, Daniel TC and Reddy KR (1994) Managing agricultural phsophorus for protection of surface waters: Issues and options. J Environ Qual 23: 437–451

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Sherwood MT and Fanning A (1981) Nutrient content of surface runoff water from land treated with animal wastes. pp. 5–17. In Brogan JC (ed) Nitrogen Losses and Surface Runoff from Land Spreading of Manures. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  86. Sims JT (1993) Environmental soil testing for phosphorus. J Prod Agric 6: 501–507

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. Singh BB and Jones JP (1976) Phosphorus sorption and desorption characteristics of soil as affected by organic residues. Soil Sci Soc Am J 40: 389–394

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Skinner RJ, Church BM and Kershaw CD (1992) Recent trends in soil pH and nutrient status in England and Wales. Soil Use and Manag 8: 16–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Smith RV (1976) Nutrient budget of the River Main, Co. Antrim. p. 315–339. In: Agriculture and Water Quality. Tech Bull 32, Ministery of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, London, United Kingdom

    Google Scholar 

  90. Summers, RN, Guise NR and Smirk DD (1993) Bauxite residue (Red Mud) increases phosphorus retention in sandy soil catchments in Western Australia. Fert Res 34: 85–94

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Svendsen LM and Kronvang B (1991) Phosphorus in the Nordic counties: Methods, Bioavailability, Effects and Measures. A report by the National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark. In Danish (English summaries). 201 pp

  92. Taylor AW and Kunishi HM (1971) Phosphate equilibria on stream sediment and soil in a watershed draining an agricultural region. J Agric Food Chem 19: 827–831

    Article  Google Scholar 

  93. Tyler DD and Thomas GW (1977) Lysimeter measurements of nitrate and chloride losses from conventional and no-tillage corn. J Environ Qual 6: 63–66

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Tunney H (1990) A note on a balance sheet approach to estimating the phosphorus fertilizer needs of agriculture. Irish J Agric Res 29: 149–154

    Google Scholar 

  95. Uhlen G (1981) Surface runoff and the use of farm manure. pp. 34–43. In Logan JC (ed) Nitrogen Losses and Surface Runoff from Land Spreading of Manures. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  96. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1990) National water quality inventory. 1988 Report to Congress. Office of Water. U.S. Govt Print Office, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  97. Uunk EJB (1991) Eutrophication of surface waters and the contribution from agriculture. Proceedings of the Fertilizer Society. The Fertilizer Society, Peterborough, United Kingdom. 56 pp

    Google Scholar 

  98. Vighi M and Chiaudani G (1987) Eutrophication in Europe: the role of agricultural activities. pp. 213–257. In Hodgson E (ed) Reviews in Environmental Toxicology 3. Elsevier

  99. Vincent WF and Downes MT (1980) Variation in nutrient removal from a stream by water cress (Nasturtium Officinale R. BR.). Aquatic Bot 9: 221–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  100. Ward JC, O'Connor KF and Wei-Bin G (1990) Phosphorus losses through transfer, runoff and soil erosion. p. 167–183. In: Phosphorus requirements for sustainable agriculture in Asia and Oceania. Int Rice Res Inst, Manila, Philipinnes

    Google Scholar 

  101. White E (1982) Eutrophication in New Zealand lakes. p. 129–136. In: Water in New Zealand's Future. Proc. 4th. National Water Conference, August 24–26, 1982, Auckland. Bieleski Printers Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand

    Google Scholar 

  102. Wilcock RJ (1986) Agricultural run-off: a source of water pollution in New Zealand. New Zealand J Agric Sci 20: 98–103

    Google Scholar 

  103. Withers PJA (1993) The Significance of Agriculture as a Source of Phosphorus Pollution in Inland and Coastal Waters in the United Kingdom. A report to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, London, United Kingdom. 120 pp

  104. Withers PJA, Unwin RJ, Grylls JP and Kane R (1994) Effects of withholding phosphate and potash fertilizer on grain yield of cereals and on plant-available phosphorus and potassium in calcareous soils. European J Agron 3: 1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Wolf AM, Baker DE, Pionke HB and Kunishi HM (1985) Soil tests for estimating labile, soluble, and algae-available phosphorus in agricultural soils. J Environ Qual 14: 341–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sharpley, A.N., Withers, P.J.A. The environmentally-sound management of agricultural phosphorus. Fertilizer Research 39, 133–146 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00750912

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00750912

Keywords

Navigation