Conservation Insights from the USDA Legacy Phosphorus Assessment

Phosphorus, a critical fertilizer nutrient required for crop production, can trigger unwanted changes to aquatic systems when it ends up in our water bodies. For producers and conservationists, testing the soil and managing today’s additions of phosphorus in fertilizer and manure is just the first important step. Historical sources of phosphorus accumulate in soils, wetlands, and streams. As a result, today’s water quality may reflect a phosphorus legacy that doesn’t readily respond only to SMART Nutrient Management. Mitigating legacy phosphorus requires targeted conservation in fields, at the edges of fields, and in watersheds. This may require new approaches to conservation.

On August 22 at 2:00 p.m. eastern, Dr. Peter Kleinman will share recent insights from USDA's Legacy Phosphorus Assessment Project during our free, one-hour Conservation Outcomes Webinar. Dr. Kleinman is a Research Leader with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fort Collins, Colorado. He coordinates this collaborative effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and ARS to advance the science, innovation, and forecasting of legacy phosphorus mitigation strategies and ultimately support water quality improvements. Findings will be presented from Conservation Effects Assessment Project watersheds within the Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Mississippi River, and Snake River. Producers, conservationists, and researchers may use the conservation insights shared during this webinar to strengthen legacy phosphorus mitigation efforts and improve water quality nationwide.

Registration is not required. Visit the Conservation Outcomes Webinar Series webpage for additional information, including a link to access the live event.