Collaboration nets nutrient management methods for improved water quality

Scientists from 15 land-grant universities, the U.S. Department of Agricultureand private industryhave generated up-to-date information and standardized tools and practices to help make cost-effective nutrient management decisions that maximize crop production and minimize water quality impacts. Government agencies, industry, farmers scientists and studentshave received education about nutrient management.Researchershave determined the fate of nutrients and measured their impacts on soil and water quality. For example, scientists studied the transport of nitrogen and phosphorus in irrigated agriculturalwatersheds in semi-arid regions and helped public health departments test soils for metals.Researchers identified best practices forapplying fertilizers on pastures and desert vegetable crops, using biosolids (solid organic matter from sewage treatment)as fertilizer for dryland crops in the Pacific Northwest, and minimizing cover crop water use in the Southwest.Research groupmembers support programs that work with over 200 manure, compostand soil analysis labs to certify their testing methods and results. The University of Californiatrained over 600 crop advisorsso they are certified to sign off on required nitrogen management plans.Webinars, newsletters and magazine articles reached tens of thousands of subscribers. New MexicoState University created a video series on soil sampling that can be used in K-12 schools, college courses, and trainings for Master Gardeners, crop advisorsand others. These videos had 31,299 views in 2018.Link to full statement on website: https://landgrantimpacts.tamu.edu/impacts/show/5101