Whole-system phosphorus balances as a practical tool for lake management

Whole-system phosphorus balances as a practical tool for lake management

2006-09-24

Controlling phosphorus (P) inputs to lakes remains a priority of lake management. This study develops watershed P balances for 11 recreational lakes in Minnesota. Areal P input rates to the watersheds ranged from 0.32 to 6.0 kg Pha−1 year−1 and was linearly related to the percentage of watershed in agriculture. Watershed P retention ranged from 10% to 89% of input P. Although many best management practices work to increase P retention (by trapping P in basins; reducing erosion; filtration), P retention is not sustainable indefinitely, particularly in “hot spots” such as septic leach fields and heavily manured fields. The watershed P balance tool is a framework that can allow watershed managers to develop novel strategies for managing P. P management strategies should be developed to keep P inputs and exports in balance so that P does not accumulate; long-term P accumulation is not sustainable and can eventually lead to lake eutrophication.

Schusslera, Johanna
Baker, Lawrence A.
Chester-Jones, Hugh

Water Resources Center University of Minnesota Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Water Resources Center University of Minnesota
Southern Research and Outreach Center University of Minnesota

Elsevier B.V. (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

Water Restoration & Protection
Surface Water
Water Quality & Pollutants

Phosphorus retention
Phosphorus
Watershed
Lake management
Phosphorus accumulation

Hubbard
Crow Wing
Douglas

2000-2009

Yes

Creative Commons

Elsevier B.V.