Best Management Practices for Phosphorus, MF-2321 Phosphorus can move into surface waters and cause impairments of normal uses. Water-quality problems associated with phosphorus are generally confined to surface waters. Most phosphorus exists in the soil as inorganic minerals. Inorganic phosphorus does not leach into ground- water. Inorganic phosphorus can move into surface waters associated with soil particles during erosion, especially where the land has been recently manured or fertilized with phosphorus and not incorporated.
Soluble phosphorus can move off-site with runoff water during heavy rainfall or irrigation.
When large amounts of phosphorus enter lakes and streams, it enhances the growth of algae and other aquatic weeds. This results in eutrophication, which eventually chokes out other life forms, depletes oxygen supplies, and creates foul odors and unpleasant tastes. Phosphorus fertilizer applications on agricultural lands have been identified as one source of phosphorus pollution of surface water. Runoff from livestock confinement areas can contribute to phosphorus contamination of surface water. Supplying phosphorus fertilizer at rates higher than necessary for crop production is unwise from both environmental and economic viewpoints.