Quantitative evaluation of legacy phosphorus and its spatial distribution. (1st April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lou, Hezhen; Zhao, Changsen; Yang, Shengtian; Shi, Liuhua; Wang, Yue; Ren, Xiaoyu; Bai, Juan
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 211(2018)
• Page Start: 296
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2018-04-01
• Subjects: Legacy phosphorus -- Spatial distribution -- Quantitative evaluation -- Remote sensing; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.01.062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: A phosphorus resource crisis threatens the security of global crop production, especially in developing countries like China and Brazil. Legacy phosphorus (legacy-P), which is left behind in agricultural soil by over-fertilization, can help address this issue as a new resource in the soil phosphorus pool. However, issues involved with calculating and defining the spatial distribution of legacy-P hinder its future utilization. To resolve these issues, this study applied remote sensing and ecohydrological modeling to precisely quantify legacy-P and define its spatial distribution in China's Sanjiang Plain from 2000 to 2014. The total legacy-P in the study area was calculated as 579, 090 t with an annual average of 38, 600 t; this comprises 51.83% of the phosphorus fertilizer applied annually. From 2000 to 2014, the annual amount of legacy-P increased by more than 3.42-fold, equivalent to a 2460-ton increase each year. The spatial distribution of legacy-P showed heterogeneity and agglomeration in this area, with peaks in cultivated land experiencing long-term agricultural development. This study supplies a new approach to finding legacy-P in soil as a precondition for future utilization. Once its spatial distribution is known, legacy-P can be better utilized in agriculture to help alleviate the phosphorus resource crisis. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: New approach combines with remote sensing and EcoHAT model to get legacy-P. The amount and the spatial distribution of legacy-P are obtained over 15 years. Annual average legacy-P was 38, 600 tons, composing 51.83% of used P fertilizer. Spatial distribution of legacy-P is confirmed, this future P resource can be used.