Lake Erie recently made the news again with an algae bloom near Toledo affecting the water supply for hundreds of thousands of people.

While these blooms have been occurring in Lake Erie and in other watersheds for some time, it’s finally catching the eye of the local area because of the drinking water impact.

Algae blooms are caused by phosphorus runoff to water bodies that increase plant growth, especially small plants like algae, which can quickly take up the nutrients with the warm surface water temps.

These explosive growth spurts are short-lived causing a quick die-off. As the algae decays the dissolved oxygen in the water is consumed, causing larger fish and aquatics to die, expanding the damage.

Phosphorus is a positively charged ion and is immobile in soil with a pH of 6.9 or less, so runoff from erosion is the only way this element can reach waterways.

Agriculture is the leading cause of phosphorus loading in watersheds followed by sewage treatment plants and stormwater management systems. While no-till has reduced the overall amount of sediment that’s moving off crop fields, manure application and the increase in cropland is still allowing for pollution events.

For farmers who apply manure, a nutrient management plan needs to be developed and implemented detailing the proper time to apply nutrients and to which fields.

Studies have shown when soil test levels indicate phosphorus above 200 ppm, adding additional phosphorus does little for crop production. Additionally, when phosphorus levels are anywhere in the optimal range of a soil test farmers should question the need to apply phosphorus.

For fields that are planted early or have a history of being wet, serious consideration should be given to using phosphorus to help germination and early plant growth; however, for fields that are planted later, say from early May on, the addition of phosphorus does little for early plant growth.

For dairy operations, feed management is another key to reducing phosphorus loading. Historically, dairies have overfed phosphorus supplements to aid in pregnancy. However, most if not all phosphorus passes straight through a healthy cow and causes high levels in manure.

While not as significant, nitrogen leaching and runoff through field drainage systems can cause significant water quality impacts.

To combat runoff and leaching issues, farmers need to control erosion, and while no till systems significant reduce the potential, the addition of cover crops and precision nutrient application are great ways to take conservation to the next level.

While agriculture contributes to nutrient loading municipalities, homeowners also are major players.

Outdated or undersized sewer treatment plants can have significant impacts after storm events when sewage systems overflow with stormwater. Sewer authorities are combating this by installing larger storage tanks and going over their systems.

While not as significant, fertilizer application by homeowners can also cause significant loading. Various states either regulate the amount of phosphorus, if any, that can be in fertilizer or dictate when and what type of fertilizer can be applied.

Applying high levels of nitrogen any time of the year is not good for the environment. However, heavy applications in the spring is detrimental to the grass as well.

Force feeding nitrogen to grass early in the spring only promotes top growth at the sacrifice of root growth, which is critical for drought resistance. In reality, the whole four-step program is flawed and does more harm to cool season grass than good.

Homeowners interested in applying lawn fertilizer should be looking to apply organic sources that have low, soil stable, nitrogen elements that will to easily leach during rain events.

These products can really be applied any time, but the first spring application should occur after Memorial Day to provide a slow steady nutrient source during the growing season.

These algae blooms should serve as a reminder that all groups can impact water quality and all can do their part to help reduce their impacts in the future.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.