The use of indicators for the identification of phosphorus transfer from agricultural land to surface waters

Abstract

Increased loading of agricultural soils with phosphorus (P) has been directly associated with P transfer from soil to surface waters, contributing to eutrophication. Policies and measures have been implemented to decrease the P loading. To evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and measures, we propose indicators, selected from literature, which are suitable for the assessment of the potential risk of P transfer at the field level. Our study focuses mainly on simple 'soil' indicators of the potential risk of P transfer only. The indicators were qualitatively assessed on basis of the selection criteria purposive, measurable and reactive. Based on these criteria, P in soil solution and Pw have been selected for testing in a field experiment