Revising and Implementing Phosphorus Indices to Protect Water Quality in the Northeastern US

The P Index (PI) is one of the principal nutrient planning tools addressing P related water resource concerns under the NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard. The proposed work will result in more effective, science-based P management practices in the entire region, with a unified approach that reflects the state-of-the science of P management, is more regionally consistent in its management recommendations, promotes under-adopted practices of highest priority to nutrient management, and enables farmers to reduce P balances over time. Partners in the project will involve stakeholders through feedback and development meetings, Farm-level case studies, and field-based PI assessments, use modeling of various BMP options to ensure the P index is directionally correct and effective in incentivizing implementation of the most promising BMPs. The project will result in significant improvements in PI interpretations/ recommendations in the Northeast region.