Managing diffuse phosphorus at the source versus at the sink
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-21, 03:50authored byKatrina Macintosh, Brooke Mayer, Rich McDowellRich McDowell, Stephen Powers, Lawrence Baker, Treavor Boyer, Bruce Rittmann
Judicious phosphorus (P) management is a global grand challenge and critical to achieving water quality objectives while maintaining food production. The management of point sources has been successful in lowering P inputs to aquatic environments, but more difficult is reducing P discharges associated with diffuse sources. This critical review describes how the metrics of P quantity in kg ha-1 yr-1 and P form can influence decision-making and implementation of diffuse-P management strategies. The review draws upon a number of'current practice' case studies that span agriculture, cities, and aquatic sectors. These diverse examples from around the world highlight different diffuse-P management approaches and workable options for achieving water quality improvement and wider P sustainability. The diffuse-P management options discussed in this critical review are transferable to other jurisdictions at the global scale.
Funding
Funded by the New Zealand Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment's Our Land and Water National Science Challenge (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai) as part of project Phosphorus Best Practice