This learning unit discusses the use of phosphorus and the phosphorus cycle. Pho

Question

This learning unit discusses the use of phosphorus and the phosphorus cycle. Phosphorus is heavily used in the production of crops in the U.S. and around the world. But, our use of phosphorus is thought to be linked to the excessive growth of algae in bodies of water (such as Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico.) This can ultimately lead to what is called hypoxia, a dramatic lowering of dissolved oxygen in water, as well as problems related to mining of this fertilizer. Please respond to the following questions: Do you think phosphorus can be used sustainably? If not, what impact would this have on agriculture? What types of restrictions would be reasonable? What are some alternatives to our use of phosphorus for agriculture?

Explanation / Answer

No, I don't think phosphorus can be used situably because there is an interaction between phosphorus and other nutrients that affects the production of the crop. For example when a ratio of phosphorus to the zinc in soil is excessively high phosphorus induced Zn deficiency could result in limited yield. A few cases of Zn deficiency is found in corn fields. It's impact on agriculture -

* excessive soil phosphorus is a potential threat to the water quality.

* It also leads to the soil and water pollution. That reduces the quality of soil for the growth of plant that leads to the retarded plant growth and reduced production which ultimately affects the agriculture.

Restrictions which can be reasonable are as follows -

* decades of ground and surface water monitoring level of phosphorus could be measured in ground wells around the area.

* Nutrient management regulations and commercial and manure based fertilizers from 15th and snow covered or frozen ground vulnerable to runoff. This law limits the use of phosphorus.

Alternatives to the use of phosphorus for agriculture are manures, testing, bone meal and composts. Composts main Nutrient is carbon and nitrogen which benefit the soil. While bone meal is created by steaming the bones and grinding them which results in growth of plant. Animal manure from duck and rabbit are useful for the seed development and for the plant growth.

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