By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Too much phosphorus can be “too much of a good thing” for lakes and streams.

Strategies for reducing phosphorus in Michigan watersheds will be the topic of a July 10 workshop, which begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Michigan State University Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

“Collaborative Solutions for Reducing Phosphorus in Agricultural and Urban Watersheds” is aimed at representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as individuals interested in reducing phosphorus in lakes, streams and groundwater. According to MSU extension liaison and workshop coordinator Allen Krizek, phosphorous is the limiting factor for algae growth in Michigan’s surface water resources.

“When phosphorous fertilizers – either manure or commercial – leak from agricultural or urban landscapes, we lose the fertilizer benefit in the landscape and we degrade Michigan surface waters,” he said.

According to Krizek, phosphorous soil test levels are adequate in many soils and therefore, farmers and homeowners should be using zero or low phosphorus fertilizers.

“Phosphorus is one of the most expensive fertilizer nutrients. Why buy it when you don’t need it?” he said.

Presentations will highlight best management practices for phosphorus reduction. Speakers will discuss recommendations from a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Phosphorus Policy Advisory Committee report and initiate plans to implement several of the recommendations.

The committee identified major sources of phosphorus, reviewed voluntary and regulatory management approaches and developed findings and recommendations. Its final report, including 32 recommendations on actions to address the problem, was released in 2007.

In addition to regulatory changes, many of these recommendations deal with the formation and implementation of incentive and voluntary programs, education and technical assistance, community education and monitoring. Several committee members will give presentations. State Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuk Twp.) and MSU extension director Tom Coon will provide introductory remarks. Experts on technical and policy issues concerning phosphorus will also be available throughout the event.

Jody Pollok-Newsom, host of the “Michigan Farm and Garden” television show and executive director of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Assoc., will serve as moderator.

“We are hoping people will learn more about best management practices for phosphorus, but also that they will provide guidance and assistance to help implement better management of phosphorus in both the agricultural and urban watersheds,” Krizek said.

“Voluntary groups will be formed to help implement best management practices through education and technical assistance.”
A lower-cost registration rate for students, both at the high school and college levels, is available.

“We encourage farmers, watershed organizations, conservation practitioners and students to attend,” Krizek said.

The registration fee is $50 before June 30 and $60 after that date ($35 for students). The fee covers lunch and all handouts. An agenda and more information are available at www.iwr.msu.edu/events/PConference

For more information or a copy of the brochure, contact Krizek at 517-373-9813 or krizek@msu.edu

“Collaborative Solutions for Reducing Phosphorus in Agricultural and Urban Watersheds” is sponsored by the MSU Water Team, MSU extension, the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the Institute of Water Research at MSU, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program and the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service Great Lakes Regional Water Program.