MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN (RFD NEWS) — More rain in parts of farm country also raises concerns about fertilizer runoff. While additional rainfall can provide drought relief, it can also increase the risk of nutrient runoff from farm fields.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently established a Hypoxia Task Force to continue working to reduce nutrient losses flowing into the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Courtney Briggs says progress in the Mississippi River Basin has been encouraging so far, noting that a recent report showed encouraging progress in reducing nitrogen runoff.
“This recent report indicates that we’ve surpassed our goals on nitrogen reduction, but there is still considerable work that needs to be done on phosphorus,” Briggs said. “It’s worth noting that the goal on nitrogen would have never been met without the work of the agricultural community.”
Briggs said reducing phosphorus losses will require a broader understanding of all runoff sources and continued collaboration among farmers, conservation groups, and government agencies.
“So, this recent report indicates that we’ve surpassed our goals on nitrogen reduction, but there is still considerable work that needs to be done on phosphorus,” Briggs explained. “It’s worth noting that the goal on nitrogen would have never been met without the work of the agricultural community.”
The Hypoxia Task Force includes federal agencies, representatives from 12 Mississippi River Basin states, and tribal governments working together to improve water quality while supporting agricultural production.
