Phosphorus

Phosphorus is chemical element number 15 and listed simply as P on the periodic table. It is not a free element but concentrated in the earth’s crust. This listing does nothing to indicate the significance of the element that is so important to humans and plants.

Phosphorus is a very plentiful mineral in the human body and second only to calcium in abundance. It and calcium work together in humans to maintain strong bones and teeth. Humans need about 700 mg of phosphorus daily. Foods with P include beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, dried fruits and whole grains.

Excess phosphorus in humans can lead to cardiovascular disease. Kidney disease can be a producer of too much phosphorus. People need a continuous balance of P and calcium for optimal function.

In an article in Science direct, A. Edward Johnston states, “ Phosphorus is an essential, irreplaceable element in all living cells. Without phosphorus, there would be no living thing on earth.”

Five Island Lake has 7,657 watershed acres. The land use consists of urban, cropland, pasture and forested. Cropland comprises 83% of the watershed. This is a challenge since there are 17 nutrients essential for agriculture plant growth. Three of these, phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium are vital. Insufficient of any of these will adversely affect plant growth, maturity and yield. Overuse will adversely affect the health and quality of the lake.

Normally phosphorus is absorbed by soil particles and is readily retained in soil. If it moves to surface waters it does so because of eroded soil. Too much phosphorus in a body of water speeds up eutrophication which is the aging of a lake. Large amounts of phosphorus can increase algae growth and large aquatic plants which in turns decreases the water’s oxygen. When there are sizeable algae blooms the toxins can be very harmful to humans and animals.

In an article by Dr. Antonio Mallarino and Dr. John Sawyer, both professors and specialists in nutrient management at Iowa State University they write, “It is important to field crops and to water quality to keep soil in place which keeps phosphorus in place where it needs to be. Agriculture best management practices for this is conservation tillage, erosion control practices, soil testing, accounting for phosphorus from manure and buffer strips.

All living things need phosphorus. Too much of it can be detrimental to humans, animals, water and plants. But specialists and researchers continue to determine practices that create a safe balance. It is an ongoing effort for the health of all.

Previous question’s answer: Soper Lake. During the lake dredging in 1917, “the Soper Family contributed generously to the project and paid for filling the area that stretches from the south end of the lake to 7th Street. They donated that land to the city in September, 2017.” (Saving the Glacier’s Creation by James L. Coffey, M.D.)

Question: What do the 1876 Peddie home and the Golf Course have in common?