Effects of Different Novel Fertilizer Applications on Phosphorus Loss from Surface and Seepage Water in Paddy Fields in the Chaohu Lake Watershed

• • Novel fertilizers (SRF, XJT, CRF) reduced total phosphorus (TP) loss by 15.43%–33.95% compared with rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF) under equal nutrient input, with SRF achieving the lowest TP loss, indicating enhanced P retention efficiency in paddy systems. • • Phosphorus reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer: CRF-10P% and CRF-30P% cut TP loss by 31.48% and 37.04% versus ZYF, respectively, demonstrating that P input can be reduced by up to 30% without increasing P export, which is critical for mitigating eutrophication in Chaohu Lake. • • Heavy rainfall events dramatically elevated P concentrations: TP in surface water and leachate increased by 417.74%–432.86% and 94.85%–351.35%, respectively, compared with the whole-season average, underscoring the need for targeted management during storm events. • • CRF-10P% increased rice yield by 22.37% relative to ZYF, proving that moderate P reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer can simultaneously reduce environmental pollution and boost productivity, offering a cost-effective solution for farmers.