Despite research that shows the no-till method can actually increase the amount of dissolved and soluble phosphorus in the top few inches of soil, a 2006 Ohio NRCS smoke-test demonstration on this same farm that simulated liquid manure reaching drain tiles, guidance from MSU and NRCS against manure injection over tiled fields, this type a application persist.

 

According to Heidelberg University, while the amount of total phosphorus in the Raisin has decreased over the years, the amount of dissolved phosphorus – which is what actually “feeds” the toxin-producing blue-green algae – has more than doubled in that same time.  ECCSCM water monitoring results over the years show excessive orthophosphate in this region.