Phosphorus is an essential element for plant life, but when there is too much of it in water, it can cause a reduction in dissolved oxygen in water bodies caused by an increase of mineral and organic nutrients of rivers and lakes.  This can cause algae blooms that can be dangerous for human water consumption and kill fish and marine life. 

In Kentucky many farmers conduct a water quality plan to reduce the amount of Phosphorus that is leaching into the streams and rivers.  One part of the plan is to encourage responsible fertilizer usage on the farm.    Soil testing is a useful tool in determining exact fertilizer needs of fields. 

The Greenup County Extension Service and the Soil and Water Conservation District offer free soil testing each year to residents.   45 of 171 soil samples to date do not require Phosphorus fertilizer in the recommendation from the University of Kentucky soil testing laboratory. 

Phosphorus is generally applied with the use of complete fertilizers containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers such as 10-10-10.  The above 45 samples where Phosphorus is not needed if applied can become harmful to the environment.  Reports are sent back to client with the recommendation to use a fertilizer that does not contain Phosphorus with an explanation of why it is not needed.