All Resources

Managing phosphorus to protect water quality

Description

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth. In aquatic systems, a lack of phosphorus often limits aquatic plant growth. When phosphorus is used up in fresh water, aquatic plant growth... More ≫

Description

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth. In aquatic systems, a lack of phosphorus often limits aquatic plant growth. When phosphorus is used up in fresh water, aquatic plant growth will stop no matter how much nitrogen is available. Conversely, nitrogen limits crop production. Only a small amount of phosphorus (measured in parts per billion) in fresh water can cause algal blooms and aquatic weed growth. Phosphorus is the nutrient that limits plant growth in aquatic ecosystems. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient that limits terrestrial plant growth.

Tags

Managing nitrogen to protect water quality

Description

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of... More ≫

Description

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of nitrogen for crop production. Excess nitrogen not used by growing crops coverts to nitrate (NO3-), which can be very mobile in soils. Nitrate can leach through the root zone and contaminate shallow groundwater. Areas with coarse or sandy soils are at greater risk for nitrate leaching to groundwater. Nitrogen can also be carried in runoff and can contaminate surface waters. Nitrogen must be managed properly to increase crop yields and protect water quality. Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen on the farm; however, nitrogen from manure and chemical fertilizers can pollute both surface and groundwater.

Tags

Manure management to protect water quality

Description

Manure use can provide an economic return to the farmer and be beneficial to the environment. When manure is applied according to crop demand and at the appropriate times, manure can provide some... More ≫

Description

Manure use can provide an economic return to the farmer and be beneficial to the environment. When manure is applied according to crop demand and at the appropriate times, manure can provide some of the nutrients required by many crops. Manure also increases soil organic matter and improves soil structure. However, manure can be a pollutant if it reaches surface water (such as streams, rivers or lakes) or leaches past the root zone of crops and into shallow groundwater.

Tags