Application of phosphorus sorbing materials to streamside cattle loafing areas

Excessive soil phosphorus (P) concentrations among cattle loafing areas located in close proximity to surface waters represent great potential for P transport. This study assessed the ability of several P sorbing materials in reducing P losses from streamside cattle loafing areas. Simulated rainfall was applied at seven (time 1) and 28 (time 2) days after P sorbing material applications to runoff plots on cattle loafing areas located at Amish farms. Treatments consisted of alum, water treatment residuals, fly-ash, gypsum, and no amendment (control). Alum addition reduced time 1 runoff P concentrations the most followed by water treatment residuals - gypsum, then fly-ash. However, runoff P losses from P sorbing materials were not significantly different from the control at time 2. These results suggest that P sorbing materials alone provide only a temporary solution to P losses from cattle loafing areas and should be used with other best management practices.