Success StoryPhosphorus across Kentucky
Phosphorus across Kentucky
Author: Brad Lee
Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Over one-million soil test results collected over three decades from the Commonwealth revealed that phosphorus levels in lawns and gardens are exceedingly high and levels have been increasing at an alarming rate, while phosphorus levels from agricultural fields are considerably lower and have decreased over time. This is of particular interest to the > 100 EPA regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities across the state which make up approximately half of Kentucky's population. The results of this soil test phosphorus data analysis has been used across the Commonwealth in presentations to over 1000 people including agricultural producers, homeowners, Master Gardener's, regulators and lawn and landscape care businesses. Utilizing the knowledge gained by participants, we anticipate a reduction in phosphorus fertilizer applications in the urban areas of the state. In addition, we anticipate environmental advocate organizations utilizing these results to encourage Kentucky community leaders to remove phosphorus from the hands of irresponsible homeowners as has been done in 11 other states across the nation.
Stories by Brad Lee
Phosphorus in Fido's Feces
As dogs become more popular and human populations concentrate in urbanized areas, management of cani... Read More
No P on my Lawn!
The Kentucky Bluegrass region is well known for its natural soil fertility. It is also home to the G... Read More
Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences
2018 Kentucky Grazing Conference Profitable for Producers
Specialists involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Chris TeutschPastures are important to the profit... Read More
Photographs selected as national winners
Two photographs entered in the 2019 National Photo Contest of the American Forage and Grassland Coun... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment