By Blake Jackson
A new study led by Penn State researchers reveals a concerning trend in phosphorus loss from agricultural lands. This essential nutrient, crucial for life on Earth, is increasingly being washed into waterways across the United States.
“We’ve seen from recent weather events that water quantity, the amount of water that storms and waterways carry, can lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides,” said Li Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State and corresponding author on the study. “What we wanted to understand is what happens to the land when these storms pull the subsurface of the soil into rivers and streams. What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”
Phosphorus, a finite resource, plays a vital role in various biological processes. However, its loss from farmland can have far-reaching consequences.
Reduced phosphorus levels can hinder crop yields, potentially leading to higher food prices. Additionally, phosphorus runoff can cause harmful algal blooms in waterways, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data from 430 rivers across the country.
While some rivers showed declining phosphorus levels, overall, the amount of phosphorus entering waterways has increased, particularly from agricultural areas.
“This means that even though we're doing a better job at limiting phosphorus pollution from urban areas, the problem is getting worse overall, due to factors largely beyond the control of just one region,” Li said. “This is a problem that is tied to climate change.”
To address this issue, researchers advocate for a combination of innovative technologies and changes in farming practices. One promising solution is Phospholutions, a fertilizer developed by Penn State alumnus Hunter Swisher. This technology reduces phosphorus runoff by up to 78% compared to conventional fertilizers.
“We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency,” Li said. “The connection between water and land is essential and that balance is growing increasingly fragile.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jj-gouin
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education