Phosphorus redistribution by dairy cattle on a heterogeneous subalpine pasture, quantified using GPS tracking

•We quantified P fluxes and P balance on a summer farm in the Swiss Alps using GPS tracking.•We estimated P depletion and accumulation at various spatial scales.•Substantial predicted P depletion and accumulation was concentrated to a small area.•The estimated overall P balance for the entire farm was negative.•Active grazing management is recommended to maintain ecosystem services.