Soil P and Manure Management Soil P and Manure Management Main Issue Phosphorus loss from erosion and runoff moving to surface waters and promoting eutrophication Eutrophication is the enhancement of surface water with nutrients that leads to increased algae growth, decreased dissolved oxygen, and decreased water transparency. This can lead to increased sediment in water over time and impair navigational and recreational uses of water bodies.
Algae blooms can also cause insect problems.
Low oxygen can kill fish, and it can result in the production of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and methane, which are toxic to wildlife and livestock. Goal Optimize soil productivity and minimize environmental impacts. Recommendations for fertilizer and manure P management must be flexible, reliable, science-based, linked to site management, hydrology and surface water response, and be economically sustainable. P vary with the test, soil type, and geographic location. Can not assume that there is a direct relationship between crop response to nutrients and nutrient pollution potential.