ES RDE 183 - Legacy Soil Phosphorus Mobilisation Review

Environment Agency Self-Service Direct Award.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop growth and food production, with agricultural inputs primarily supplied through inorganic fertilisers and organic manures. However, manures are often applied to meet crop nitrogen (N) requirements, which can result in excess P applications and the gradual accumulation of legacy P in soils. This increases the risk of P losses through runoff, erosion, and leaching, contributing to eutrophication of watercourses. As P is frequently the limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems, even small releases can cause detrimental environmental impacts, including algal blooms and oxygen depletion. In England, around 55% of rivers and 75% of lakes fail to meet phosphorus standards under the Water Framework Directive.