Evaluation of Minnesota Phosphorus Loss Index performance

Supported by the National Phosphorus (P) Research Project led by Dr. Andrew Sharpley, Minnesota developed its statewide P-Index, the Minnesota P Loss Index (MNPI), to manage critical source areas of agricultural P. The MNPI has remained unchanged since its last revision in 2006. The overall goal of this study was to critically evaluate the MNPI to determine, in the parlance of Sharpley, if the MNPI remains “directionally and magnitudinally correct.” Observed P loss from 67 site-years of annual edge-of-field data was compared with MNPI-predicted P loss. Our assessment indicates that MNPI performance is directionally correct: it correctly ranks fields that are more at risk than others. The MNPI performed better in years with high-intensity rainfall events. Averaging MNPI assessment across multiple years of data input, along with minor adjustments to the calculation algorithm, improved the robustness of MNPI estimates. Continued re-evaluation of the MNPI will ensure that this important tool for nutrient management is properly evaluating P loss potential. This study reflects Dr. Sharpley's decades-long effort to improve and revise P indices so that they reflect advances in the science and management of agricultural P.