Fertilizer Application in the Western Lake Erie Basin: Implications for Water Quality

Session: 23. - The IJC's Science Advisory Board Review of Current Priorities and Projects

David Allan, University of Michigan, Sch. For Environment and Sustainability, [email protected]
John Bratton, Limnotech, [email protected]
Matthew Child, International Joint Commission, [email protected]
Michael Murray, National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Regional Center, [email protected]

Abstract

The International Joint Commission assessed patterns and trends in use of commercial fertilizer and manure in the western Lake Erie basin (WLEB) to further our understanding of different nutrient sources and practices vis-à-vis WLEB eutrophic symptoms. Commercial fertilizer is the primary source of phosphorus (P) used for agricultural purposes in the WLEB overall (72%) and in the United States (81%), while in Canada manure and commercial fertilizer are approximately equal sources of elemental P. Further research is needed to distinguish the relative contributions of commercial fertilizer versus manure to P loads reaching the Lake and to algal response. Over recent decades, fertilizer P application in the WLEB has held steady or declined while crop harvests have increased, resulting in near-balance between P application and removal. Nutrient runoff is influenced by multiple factors in addition to nutrient application, including tillage and drainage practices, climate change and legacy P. Adoption of appropriate management practices such as the 4R nutrient management program may have greater influence on P export from agricultural lands than the type of fertilizer applied. Additional data, including improved reporting on farm practices at the field level, are needed to support models that evaluate the effectiveness of various farm practices

1. Keyword
water quality

2. Keyword
Lake Erie

3. Keyword
phosphorus

4. Additional Keyword
fertilizer