Phosphorus is essential for farming, but excess amounts often wash into waterways, fueling harmful algal blooms. Even more concerning is “legacy phosphorus” — nutrients that have built up in soil over decades. When heavy rains or erosion occur, this old phosphorus can be released into streams and lakes, worsening water pollution. As climate change increases intense rainfall, managing legacy P will be a growing challenge for water quality in the Midwest.
Read the full article on our website: “Legacy P” Poses Long-Term Challenge to Water Quality