Discussion and implications Phosphorus is an essential element for plant and animal growth and many of WA’s agricultural soils were originally amongst the most P deficient in the world (see Chapter 2.8). While P is critical for profitable agriculture, its export through surface water run-off and leaching increases the chance of algal blooms in receiving water bodies. In addition, organic matter flowing from the landscape to receiving water bodies depletes dissolved oxygen during decomposition. These two factors increase the likelihood of water problems. The degree of impact depends on characteristics of both the source and transport. Some of these source and transport factors can be managed to reduce the risk of export (Figure 2.9.4), while others are inherent to the landscape or the environment and are beyond the control of land managers.
Discussion and implications Phosphorus is an essential element for plant and animal growth and many of WA’s agricultural soils were originally amongst the most P deficient in the world (see Chapter 2.8). While P is critical for profitable agriculture, its export through surface water run-off and leaching increases the chance of algal blooms in receiving water bodies. In addition, organic matter flowing from the landscape to receiving water bodies depletes dissolved oxygen during decomposition. These two factors increase the likelihood of water problems. The degree of impact depends on characteristics of both the source and transport. Some of these source and transport factors can be managed to reduce the risk of export (Figure 2.9.4), while others are inherent to the landscape or the environment and are beyond the control of land managers.
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