Publications

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 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.

Updated

January 1, 2000

Tags
fertilizers groundwater phosphorous water conservation water quality

Title and publication information

Type
Fact Sheet
Series Title

Agri-facts

Extent

2 pages

Frequency

Once

Publisher / Creator Information

Publisher

Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development (1992-2006)

Place of Publication

Edmonton

Subject Information

Topic
Agriculture
Subject (LCSH)

Water quality.

Subject (LCSH)

Runoff.

Resource Dates

Date Created

2000-01-01

Date Added

2016-01-13T23:10:12.343294

Date Modified

2000-01-01

Date Issued

2000-01-01

Audience information

Identifiers

AGDEX number

576-2

NEOS catalogue key

2376317

Usage / Licence

Contact

Contact Name

Agriculture and Forestry

Contact Email

duke@gov.ab.ca