Water quality degradation from phosphorus enrichment was a recurring news item in 2014.  As states in the Mississippi River Basin develop and implement plans to reduce phosphorus loads by as much as 45%, it is time to take a critical look at how we reach these nutrient reduction targets and if these targets are realistically attainable.  While some conservation practices clearly reduce phosphorus delivered to surface waters, the unintended consequences of other farming practices, such as fall tillage and nutrient applications, no till farming, and tile drainage, can result in increased levels of dissolved P and in some cases total P in surface waters.  This symposium session will include a broad examination and critical evaluation of strategies for achieving nutrient reduction goals, including tillage practices, nutrient management, and the establishment of numeric water quality criteria.

Approved for 3.5 SW CEUs.