Nutrients in agricultural areas are managed based on the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship: apply the right nutrient source, with the right rate, at the right time, in the right place. However, nutrient discharge is an ongoing environmental concern, and management practices for water quality improvements present many challenges due to complex processes and mechanisms in nutrient cycling and other factors associated with  agricultural conservation practices such as residue and tillage management.

This presentation will discuss two investigations focused on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and emphasizes the need for government agencies to work together to address potential economic losses due to implementation of lower fertilizer rates for water quality improvement.