Improving P Loss Risk Assessment -
Increasing and
improving the use of a P index in risk management
As a September 2001,P index has been available to Mo. Nutrient management planners.
Agronomic rate uses P index for planning.
To increase use we have tried to put in a user friendly form – computerized spreadsheet.
User manual being prepared and training forthcoming for those not presently trained.
What are the
opportunities?
P index makes a great education tool to show farmers their situation and explain the issues
Allows flexibility in the plan so some limited application can occur even in a heavy concentrated area where transport is mainly recommended.
What are the obstacles?
Need to validate P index before finalizing the draft form. RUSLE 2 needs to be incorporated into the next draft versions (this is presently being worked on)
Can’t finalize P index until we understand more about P movement, interaction with soil and water, solubility, etc.
Commercial P is more soluble than manure P
What actions are
needed (i.e. education needs/resources)?
Field verification study is needed
P saturation studies in poultry production areas. Hopefully regional data from such studies can lead to a regional chart for determining P index for an area.
Loss of P is highly related to precipitation events following application
More education and training on how to use P index and we need to understand the benefits of P index so we can explain this to clientele.
Need to verify the EPIC model on a field by field evaluation where we can verify using input factors at field level to predict plant uptake and loss of P. If model proved effective then based on soil, slope, land cover, rainfall, a starting point can be obtained.
Should the use of the
P index be on a field basis or a basis of management zones within fields?
Regional division needed in
Should the P index be
a planning tool only, or a regulatory tool as
well? If as a regulatory tool, what
actions are needed? Is the existing P
index adequate?
Hard to set a regulation when soil test are only a representative sample of a much larger field. P index depends on the soil test but soil testing has limits.
As a planning tool, P index can assist with helping the producer understand the situation more fully.
Planner must have the ability to use discretion when determining if P index or something else needs to be used.
Features of P indices
Sampling depth to determine STP
Inclusion of P application
information
RULSE 2 for estimating erosion
potential
What is the importance of sampling depth and does this need to be adjustable based on soil properties?
As a management tool we need to include the method of application, timing, weather concerns, etc.
Need training on RUSLE 2 for TSP training and others
How are we going to
ensure application of new information of P BMPs?
Make the P index and BMPs part of several ongoing programs that are already in place. Crop Management Clinic in Central, CCA training in Dec in Northwest and Southeast. Natural Resource Conference in February, Crop Injury Clinic in July, Livestock Symposium in Dec in Northeast, Soil and Water Conference in November.
Do we need to set up a litter bank (for poultry) and do we need to get the MoAg industries group involved with promoting P information. This group will be hurt in the end if something isn’t done so how do we get them involved in this.
Look at the handling, storage and application of P – look at the economics, environmental and practical aspects of P use.
Major Topic Areas
Awareness with P regulations, export rules to other states, economics of application, training of P based BMPs, etc.
Does Missouri have a BMP list for P – we have one for nutrient management in specific areas, what sources of P do we have to work with and can it be handled as a resource and/or economic advantage – use natural P from manure instead of getting commercial P.
Research needed on P levels and remediation practices and validate these findings. What BMPs actually work best and in what conditions.
Take a CNMP and look at a watershed level for runoff concentration if P is based on crop needs.
Law suits will be based on algae in the lake or stream and not on whether agronomic rates for crop production.
Will nutrient management on the landscape answer the needs for nutrient criteria for P application etc
Is there a need for
revision of recommendations/guidelines or standards/regulations? How are the revisions to be achieved?
Most agency personnel use P as a first run look through agronomic need, then if P allows for N base we do that.
Phosphorus index is used in those areas listed as problem areas where the agronomic need has already been exceeded.
In the long run we may need to either set a regulation to keep people from spreading on land that is over the lbs/acre for P. Major companies (Tyson etc) are now looking at this. How do we get this out to others that are tied to a large company that mandates this?
For regulatory issues or standards – is the standard realistic and will a P index allow us to meet this
Does the P index actually provide a solution for concerns we now have?
What key elements of the P index will influence application and will this be effective at meeting a regulatory number or standard. Or do we look at a regulatory situation where we have a list of possible BMPs and allow the producer/TSP to identify what would be a plan to reduce P runoff or loss.
Is there a need of
training events for your colleagues?
What are the opportunities for conducting such training? What resources may be needed?
Yes training and awareness is needed. May start as a part of an on-going training for CCA, crop injury and fertility clinics, etc. A training on the P index and P associated issues is needed – including feed additives, etc. Dollars are needed to train resource people – Extension, NRCS, SWCD, DNR, MDA and MDC.
May need to bring in outside experts on P but set up a group of regional specialists that can work directly as local teams to work with producers and those getting P from livestock manure.
Educate the fertilizer and feed industry on issues and
Applicator training for set back distance and P issues
Very few structural practices being looked at most are grass or filter type practices. We overlook forest and forest production as a source of application acreage for P and P use.
Action Points:
ITWG committee will look at the statewide need for training and identify state people with expertise and work directly with developing a plan to get P information into several of the ongoing trains being offered in the state. This group will start contacting those groups (as listed under the first question) to get on their agenda.
John L., Ron M. and Glenn D. will work together to develop a stronger P emphasis in the CNMP before October 2004 and look at the need for TSP training for P index and P information.
A training will be offered based on the “Show-Me Yards” concepts, for working with urban areas for nutrient application and developing lawn plans. Main emphasis will be to educate about the nutrient needs of lawns, the environmental concerns associated with over application and misuse of both nutrients and pesticides.
Education for the producers is needed but for others that have a need to know – the recreation industry, the tourism industry, the ag industry, the local towns – it may cause a need for some economic study to decide how the whole area is effected by the decisions being made. Using P from manure and how the effects the fertilizer industry in the area and how the effects the spending habits in a town and how this effects the overall economic viability of the area/state.
Economics will drive much of this for the producer – many will take a wait and see attitude