Quantifying the Effects of Phosphorus Control Best Management Practices

There is continuing concern regarding impairment of surface waters as a result of pollutants emanating from agricultural land uses. A major focus has been surface water pollution resulting from excessive phosphorus (P) loadings (Sharpley and Beegle 2001), a major impact of which is eutrophication of these waters (Harper 1992; Logan 1993; Sharpley 1995; Sharpley et al. 1999). The enormity of the P problem is widely acknowledged; the recent past has seen an emphasis on efforts to reduce P pollution, with due recognition being given to the importance of reducing P at its source (Heathwaite and Sharpley 1999; Logan 1993; Sharpley et al. 1999).