Symposium: Managing Phosphorus in Organic Residuals Applied to Soils

How do we develop a balanced system for use of organic residuals, with all their benefits, without adding to negative environmental impacts caused by phosphorus (P) leaching and runoff? This symposium will provide technical, research-based information and dialogue on the presence, forms, dynamics, transport, and fates of P applied to soils in organic residuals such as composts, biosolids, manures, and digestates from anaerobic digestion. This symposium is intended to help in developing guidelines for the use of P-containing organic residuals in accordance with nutrient management regulations.

Approval has been requested for the following professional certifications: CGCS, CSFM, MCH, MCLP, and AOLCP.

To Register: https://www.regonline.com/phosphorus

Program Outline

8:15

Registration (coffee and tea)

8:45

Background: Defining the Phosphorus Problem
Welcome and Introduction: What the Phosphorus!
Mary Owen, Extension Turf Specialist, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Policy, Regulation and Management of Organic Residuals 
Ned Beecher, Executive Director, North East Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA)
Phosphorus Trends in New England Soils
Katie Campbell-Nelson, Extension Vegetable Specialist, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Analysis of Phosphorus
Phosphorus Dynamics and Mitigation in Soils
Speaker TBD
Analysis and Interpretation of Phosphorus in Soils and Residuals
Dr. John Spargo, Director, Agricultural Analytical Services Lab, Penn State University 
Phosphorus Availability from Organic Residuals
Dr. Amy Shober, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware

12:15– 1:30

Networking Lunch (provided) – Visit Exhibits and our Sponsors!

1:30

Interpretation and Recommendations: Round Tables and Panel Discussions

Vegetable Grower round table discussions

• Facilitators: Katie Campbell-Nelson, UMass Extension Ned Beecher, NEBRA: Industry perspective and new approaches, Bruce Hoskins, Soil Testing Program, University of Maine, Dr. John Spargo, Director, Agricultural Analytical Services Lab, Penn State

Dairy round table discussions

• ​Facilitators: Dr. Masoud Hashemi, UMass Extension: Responsible manure and other residuals use and P cover cropping for P management, Andrew Carpenter, NEBRA member: P management alternatives for dairy, Anthony Drouin, NEBRA member: P management from organic fertilizers

Turf panel and audience discussion

•  Facilitator: Mary Owen, UMass Extension

Panel:

• Dr. William Dest, University of Connecticut, Emeritus
• Dr. Scott Ebdon, University of Massachusetts
• Dr. Jason Henderson, University of Connecticut
• Dr. Geoff Kuter, Agresource Inc. 
• Ted Wales, Hartney Greymont, Needham, MA 

Discussion Summaries: Questions & Concerns Related to Phosphorus

2:40-2:55

Break

3:00

Question and Answers with Dr. John Spargo and Dr. Amy Shober

3:30

Closing Remarks Mary Owen, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please direct any comments or questions to Katie Campbell-Nelson, UMass Vegetable Specialist kcampbel@umass.edu, Dr. Masoud Hashemi UMass Crops, Dairy, Livestock, Equine Specialist masoud@umass.edu, Mary Owen, UMass Turf Specialist mowen@umass.edu, or Kelly Kraemer, Event Coordinator kkraemer@umass.edu