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.






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