The conceptual basis for a decision support framework to assess the risk of phosphorus loss at the field scale across Europe

Heathwaite, L. and Sharpley, A. and Bechmann, M. (2003) The conceptual basis for a decision support framework to assess the risk of phosphorus loss at the field scale across Europe. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 166 (4). pp. 447-458. ISSN 1522-2624

Abstract

We report a conceptual framework for a simple screening tool to evaluate the vulnerability of different fields in the landscape to phosphorus (P) loss within the European agricultural context. Our work builds on the principles established for the P Index system developed in the United States. We examine the differing needs and criteria for a range of EU member states and EFTA countries and highlight essential and optional criteria for inclusion in the decision support framework depending on their ecoregional characteristics. A framework such as this, meets in principle, the needs of the COST832 Action ‘Quantifying the Agricultural Contribution to Eutrophication’ as it deals with diffuse nutrient sources from agriculture, and aids more targeted use of practical strategies to mitigate nutrient losses to minimise the potential for the eutrophication of receiving waters.