A systematic view of phosphorus loss and its retention: Pathways, mechanisms, and measures

Abstract

Persistent phosphorus losses (PLs) are exacerbated by a complex interplay of human-induced factors. To mitigate the inexorable PLs, a systematic approach is needed to identify the underlying determinants among various factors affecting PLs. We analyzed the key drivers of phosphorus losses based on the phosphorus flows and human behaviors in human-environment systems. We then developed a framework to characterize and categorize the determinants of PLs and their associated pathways, systematically categorizing PLs into a hierarchical scheme consisting of three primary categories and a total of thirteen distinct subcategories, to facilitate the development of sustainable phosphorus management strategies to slow down PLs. Each subcategory possesses distinct attributes in mechanism, media, scope, and behavior, which can be leveraged to devise effective and practicable phosphorus retention measures. This systematic scheme lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between PLs and the corresponding phosphorus retention strategies.