By Jamie Martin
A new study from Penn State University reveals that phosphorus, a vital nutrient in soil, is increasingly being washed away from agricultural land in the United States due to heavier rainstorms. This loss of phosphorus, essential for plant growth and life, poses a serious threat to crop yields and may lead to higher food costs. Additionally, excess phosphorus entering rivers contributes to harmful algal blooms, further impacting water quality and increasing water treatment costs.
Led by Professor Li Li of Penn State, the study analyzed data from 430 rivers across the country and found that phosphorus loss from farmland has risen over the past forty years, even with efforts to reduce agricultural runoff.
"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,” Li stated. “What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”
Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus is a non-renewable resource, and once it enters waterways, it does not easily return to the soil.
Increased phosphorus in water bodies also harms aquatic life by depleting oxygen, which can kill fish and other species, making some water sources unsafe for human activities like swimming.
The study found that while efforts to control phosphorus pollution from urban wastewater are effective, agricultural runoff remains a significant challenge due to increased storm severity, a phenomenon tied to climate change. This indicates that climate-related shifts in weather are impacting agricultural sustainability.
Researchers believe that solutions will need to include both technological advancements and changes in farming practices.
A company named Phospholutions, founded by a Penn State alumnus, is already working on technology to reduce phosphorus runoff. This ongoing innovation and commitment to sustainable practices highlight the urgency in addressing phosphorus loss to protect soil health and crop production for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: National