Environmental aspects of soil phosphorus chemistry in the US Atlantic coastal plain

Environmental concerns about the impact of agricultural phosphorus (P) on water quality have recently resulted in legislation in the USA restricting the use of fertilizers and animal manures based on soil P. We have conducted extensive research on the relationship between soil P chemistry and the potential for P losses in runoff and by leaching. Studies have investigated P sorption and de-sorption in soils amended with manures and municipal biosolids; redox effects on P retention and release by soils and sediments; effects of modifying animal diets on forms and concentrations of P; and reducing P losses by amending soils, manures, and biosolids with materials highly reactive for P. This paper summarizes key aspects of our research and its use in the development of improved P management practices.