Practical mitigation options for phosphorus and sediment loss from winter–sown crops: an overview of contemporary methods

Phosphorus (P) and suspended sediment (SS) play a pivotal role in influencing water quality and biodiversity and, as a result, controlling the transfer of these important diffuse pollutants from land to water, represents a priority task for catchment managers and stakeholders (Kronvang et al., 2005a). This review briefly summarises the environmental and legislative context regarding phosphorus and suspended sediment losses from land to water, outlines the pathways for such losses, and reviews contemporary research evidence on mitigation methods for controlling these losses to surface water systems. Mitigation methods discussed include fertiliser and manure management, dietary strategies, tillage methods, residue management, cover (catch) cropping, tramline management, gateway locations, strategic management along river margins, and the use of wetlands and retention ponds. The review concludes with a synthesis which considers different mitigation options in the context of catchment management for sustainable water quality.