This research project builds on existing research to identify major sources of phosphorus in the Chesapeake Bay. Three major sources have contributed to the degradation of its water quality: the land, bay sediments and the ocean. Not all phosphorus is bio-available, meaning that some is less concerning for water quality. This study tracks P sources, differentiating between available and unavailable “pools” of the nutrient on farms around the Chesapeake Bay. Using a process called isotopic fingerprinting, work attempts to identify sources and variations in P. Efforts aim to identify non-agricultural and legacy phosphorus export from East Creek, Crisfield, Maryland, and identify the isotopic signatures of different phosphorus sources present in the Chesapeake Bay.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents