Phosphates in moderation

There is a way to solve the argument about the algae-promoting element that is present in our local treasure, the Spokane River. Prevention can be a great mediator. Instead of adding new laws to reduce or eliminate the use of phosphates or argue its negative/positive effects on the environment let’s educate the public and farmers on erosion control and fertilizer usage.

Some of my father’s generation believed that if a little was good a lot must be even better. So maybe these big fertilizer companies can take the lead in education by promoting conservation in application methods, through user-friendly means in labeling and Internet sites.

I personally observed the evidence of gross over-tillage on the Peone Prairie this winter where normally winter wheat is protected by a blanket of snow. So imagine the soil erosion, heavy rains depositing reams of soil across the county road, leaving deep crevices, taking with it phosphates clinging to the soil.

Let’s encourage being good stewards of our resources through no-till methods and crop rotation and continuing education of the public. We can all be the solution to the problem through the vehicle of prevention by education.

Stephen Wieber

Greenacres