Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

A comprehensive nutrient management plan should discuss what aspect regarding phosphorus?

1. P movement to surface water

2. Soil erosion control

3. Crop rotation benefits

4. Weather patterns

The correct answer is: P movement to surface water

A comprehensive nutrient management plan must address phosphorus movement to surface water as it is crucial for ensuring both environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but when it runs off from agricultural fields into nearby waterways, it can lead to significant water quality problems, including eutrophication. This process promotes excessive algae growth, which depletes oxygen in the water and harms aquatic ecosystems. By understanding and managing phosphorus movement, farmers and agronomists can implement practices to minimize runoff, such as cover cropping, buffer strips, or properly timing fertilizer applications. This focus on phosphorus movement directly relates to managing the overall nutrient cycle within the ecosystem, thereby helping to protect natural resources while maintaining crop productivity. In contrast, while soil erosion control, crop rotation benefits, and weather patterns are all important factors in nutrient management, they do not directly address the specific challenges associated with phosphorus runoff and its impact on water quality. Therefore, the emphasis on phosphorus movement to surface water is critical in a comprehensive nutrient management plan.