Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

P transport from a field can be reduced by __________.

1. cover crops

2. buffer strips

3. deep tillage

4. increasing fertilizer rates

The correct answer is: buffer strips

Buffer strips play a crucial role in reducing phosphorus (P) transport from fields. These areas of vegetation, typically grass or shrubs, are established along waterways or field edges. Their primary function is to act as a filtration barrier that helps intercept surface runoff containing phosphorus and other nutrients before they can enter water bodies. When runoff occurs, the buffer strips absorb and trap these nutrients within the plants and soil, thus minimizing the amount of phosphorus that reaches water systems. The added vegetation also encourages infiltration and slows down water flow, allowing for greater nutrient uptake and soil absorption. By strategically implementing buffer strips, farmers can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of phosphorus, leading to healthier ecosystems and improved water quality. In contrast to buffer strips, cover crops can also help with nutrient management, but they primarily focus on soil health and preventing erosion rather than serving as a direct filter for runoff. Deep tillage can disrupt soil structure and may inadvertently lead to increased nutrient leaching. Increasing fertilizer rates would likely exacerbate the issue, providing more phosphorus that could potentially be transported off-site through runoff. Therefore, buffer strips are the most effective method listed for reducing P transport from a field.