Global phosphorus loss in agriculture due to soil erosion: Study

Team Udayavani, Sep 12, 2020, 6:05 PM IST

Researchers claim that over 50% of global phosphorus loss in agriculture can be attributed to soil erosion.

According to Science Daily, An international research team led by Professor Christine Alewell has investigated which continents and regions worldwide are suffering the greatest loss of phosphorus.

Researchers combined high-resolution, spatially discrete global data on the phosphorus content of soils with local erosion rate.

They also studied elevated phosphorus content in waters in several regions and said the increase mirrored the loss of phosphorus in the soil in those regions

An important conclusion of the study is that more than 50% of global phosphorus loss in agriculture is attributable to soil erosion. Previously, experts reported losses primarily due to lack of recycling, food and feed waste, and general mismanagement of phosphorus resources.