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Essential Element

Phosphorus is an essential element to life, underpinning many critical biological processes and driving the productivity and sustainability of global food systems.

The Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center is a convergence research community of diverse and leading scientists that addresses the complex challenges in phosphorus sustainability by integrating disciplinary contributions across the physical, life, social, and economic sciences. The STEPS vision is to facilitate a 25% reduction in human dependence on mined phosphates and a 25% reduction in losses of point and non-point sources of phosphorus to soils and water resources within 25 years, leading to enhanced resilience of food systems and reduced environmental damage.

A Roadmap to Phosphorus Sustainability

STEPS Announces a Roadmap Toward U.S. Phosphorus Sustainability

STEPS is pleased to share “25-in-25: A Roadmap Toward U.S. Phosphorus Sustainability,” a project led by our partner institution RTI. This roadmap serves as a guide for the actions needed to improve sustainable management of phosphorus (P) in the United States. We outline current P management problems and their impact on stakeholders and organize sets of actions into Impact Opportunities. This roadmap is the result of collaboration between STEPS and external stakeholders, including industry representatives, policymakers, and others.

Roadmap cover image
REU students taking soil samples at Tidewater Research Station

STEPS REU Program

STEPS will support 15 students for ten weeks during Summer 2024 through a multi-institutional Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.

The STEPS Summer 2024 REU Program Begins in May.

Multi-institutional Research Experience

Convergence research through a collaborative cohort project.

Projects that align research and career interests.

We had a great week celebrating phosphorus with you! Continue following us to learn more about phosphorus, STEPS research, and the future of phosphorus sustainability. 🌱

#PWeek2024

We had a great week celebrating phosphorus with you! Continue following us to learn more about phosphorus, STEPS research, and the future of phosphorus sustainability. 🌱

#PWeek2024
...

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Phosphorus sustainability is a wicked problem with no straightforward solutions. That's why STEPS takes a convergence research approach to develop new technologies and processes as we advance our 25-in-25 vision! #PWeek2024

Phosphorus sustainability is a wicked problem with no straightforward solutions. That`s why STEPS takes a convergence research approach to develop new technologies and processes as we advance our 25-in-25 vision! #PWeek2024 ...

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P is a pollutant. Inefficient fertilizer use, along with urban wastes, results in degradation of water quality, including toxic algae blooms and “dead zones.” #PWeek2024

P is a pollutant. Inefficient fertilizer use, along with urban wastes, results in degradation of water quality, including toxic algae blooms and “dead zones.” #PWeek2024 ...

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Thank you for your continued support of our center! We look forward to continuing to connect with you & working toward a sustainable phosphorus future. 🌱

#PWeek2024

Thank you for your continued support of our center! We look forward to continuing to connect with you & working toward a sustainable phosphorus future. 🌱

#PWeek2024
...

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The huge increase in crop production in the “Green Revolution” was only possible because of expanded use of N&P-rich fertilizer. #PWeek2024

The huge increase in crop production in the “Green Revolution” was only possible because of expanded use of N&P-rich fertilizer. #PWeek2024 ...

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Every living thing needs phosphorus to survive! Plants and humans alike need phosphorus for growth. In humans, phosphorus is in our DNA, teeth, and bones. In fact, there is about 1.35 lbs of phosphorus in your body. #PWeek2024

Every living thing needs phosphorus to survive! Plants and humans alike need phosphorus for growth. In humans, phosphorus is in our DNA, teeth, and bones. In fact, there is about 1.35 lbs of phosphorus in your body. #PWeek2024 ...

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🚨A new episode of PhosForUs, the STEPS' scholar podcast, has dropped! The latest episode is a special #PWeek2024 edition with the Sustinable Phosphorus Alliance's Matt Scholz about P Week & the importance of phosphorus sustainability. 
🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

🚨A new episode of PhosForUs, the STEPS` scholar podcast, has dropped! The latest episode is a special #PWeek2024 edition with the Sustinable Phosphorus Alliance`s Matt Scholz about P Week & the importance of phosphorus sustainability.
🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
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Today is the day! 🌎 Visit the STEPS table at the NC State Earth Fair to win a plant & learn about phosphorus week! 🌱 See you there! @NCstatesustain

#phosphorus #sustainability #NCStatesustainability #earthmonth #PWeek2024

Today is the day! 🌎 Visit the STEPS table at the NC State Earth Fair to win a plant & learn about phosphorus week! 🌱 See you there! @NCstatesustain

#phosphorus #sustainability #NCStatesustainability #earthmonth #PWeek2024
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Phosphorus sustainability needs everyone's input!

From industry partners to researcher and individuals.... we all play a role in phosphorus sustainability. 🌱🧫 🌾

📲 Learn how you can get involved through the link in our bio 

#PWeek2024

Phosphorus sustainability needs everyone`s input!

From industry partners to researcher and individuals.... we all play a role in phosphorus sustainability. 🌱🧫 🌾

📲 Learn how you can get involved through the link in our bio

#PWeek2024
...

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