This project links soil algal-bioavailable phosphorus to erosion, edge-of-field runoff suspended sediment and runoff particulate-bound P. The hypothesis is that P forms associated with freshly eroded soil particles at the edge-of-field are different than suspended sediment P forms in rivers due to dissolution and reduction reactions that begin as soil particles and are transported to drainage ways, tributaries and rivers. Knowing P bioavailability runoff helps truly evaluate risk. Research measures P bioavailability in field soils vulnerable to erosion, evaluates the relationship between bioavailable P and soil P measures. It also estimates the bioavailability of runoff particulate P across Ohio, using these relationships with simulations and soil test P survey data.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents