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The Nebraska Chemigation Act, enacted in 1987, was designed to prevent chemicals from backflowing into the state’s ground and surface water when applied through irrigation systems. Under this law, any producer applying fertilizer or pesticide through an irrigation system must be certified by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy & Environment (DWEE). Certification is valid for four years, and training is offered through UNL Extension.
To become a certified applicator, individuals must complete a training session and pass a written exam covering key components of the Chemigation Act. This includes understanding how to properly calibrate injection equipment, use required safety devices, and determine when and where chemigation is appropriate.
Each chemigation permit holder must have at least one current certified applicator listed for every permitted injection site. This certified individual must be the one operating the chemigation equipment during chemical application.
Online training for 2026 is available on the University of Nebraska Chemigation webpage: https://pested.unl. edu/training-and-certification/chemigation/. Local in-person training dates and locations for Chemigation Applicator certification are as follows:
