UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Phosphorus is an important nutrient for crop production, but when it migrates from soil to drinking water, it becomes an environmental problem. Because of phosphorus-related water quality concerns, changes have been proposed to Pennsylvania's nutrient management regulations.

These changes would mandate that nitrogen-based nutrient management plans currently required for concentrated animal operations, concentrated animal feeding operations and agricultural operations voluntarily participating in the state nutrient management program be evaluated to determine if additional management considerations are needed to address concerns with phosphorus.

"If phosphorus is identified as a potential concern, manure rates may be restricted or changes in time or method of application may be required on some fields in the nutrient management plan," says Douglas Beegle, professor of agronomy in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "This and other proposed revisions to these regulations will change the way agricultural nutrients are managed, affecting important sectors of the state's agricultural economy, rural communities and water quality."

The State Conservation Commission currently is inviting farmers and all concerned citizens to comment on the proposed revisions. The public comment period began on August 7, and will end on Nov. 5, 2004.

"The window of opportunity to help shape these important agricultural-environmental regulations soon will be closed," Beegle says. "You can comment on the proposed changes and share your thoughts with the commission. You also can tell other farmers, neighbors, and community members about the proposed rules and encourage them to submit comments before time runs out."

To help citizens quickly understand the proposed Nutrient Management Act regulation changes and participate in the public comment process, Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a free, eight-page guide, "Shaping New Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act Regulations: A Guide to the Proposal and Comment Process."

Citizens also should be aware that the Department of Environmental Protection concurrently is proposing changes to water quality regulations affecting concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and other agricultural operations. More information about those proposed changes is available in the Penn State Cooperative Extension guide, "Make Your Voice Heard: Commenting on Proposed Water Pollution Regulations for CAFOs and Other Agricultural Operations." Individuals can read or download both publications at Penn State's Nutrient and Water Policy Web site: http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu. Single copies of the free guides also are available by contacting your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713.

For more news from Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, visit http://aginfo.psu.edu.

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Writer/Editor: Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877