Validate, improve and regionalize phosphorus indices to reduce P loss across the Heartland region

This project will advance phosphorous management in the U.S. by developing and demonstrating procedures that ensure Phosphorous Indices are appropriately tested in accordance with the 2012 NRCS 590 Standard by meeting the following objectives: Identifying the most effective strategies for using the Agricultural Policy Environmental Extender, an existing fate-and-transport model, to evaluate Phosphorous Indices using data from existing watershed and large-plot studies; Evaluating and improve current Phosphorous Index formulations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska; evaluate and compare potential P Index formulations for use as a regional P Index in the humid regions of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska; Engaging farmers, technical service providers, stakeholder groups, state and regional regulators and state NRCS staff to facilitate acceptance of recommendations in each state, facilitate more consistency across state borders, and demonstrate the utility of validated, calibrated P-indices for reducing P loss and protecting water quality; and Collaborating with similar projects in Chesapeake Bay, the South, and the national overarching CIG project to facilitate application of results to humid regions of the U.S.