Phosphorus loss from soil to water.

Abstract

The work described under this project covers field work on phosphorus(P) loss from soil to water under field conditions. In addition two International Workshops on P loss to water, held in Ireland in 1995 and 1998, are also covered under this project. The results indicate that P loss to water is a complex process and it is influenced by a number of factors, including hydrology of the soil, rates and timing of P application and soil P levels. Most work on this subject indicates that there is a positive relationship between soil test P levels and P loss to water. There is need for further work to establish the relative contribution of the different variables involved in P loss from soil to water for different soils and farming conditions. This should help provide answers to the most sustainable methods to minimise losses of P to water and ensure that agricultural production is compatible with good water quality.