.jpg)
HARTINGTON — The district has seen an increase in the number of chemigation permits granted as producers continue to adopt chemical and fertilizer applications through their irrigation systems to increase their crop yields and reduce leaching. Chemigation, sometimes called fertigation, uses a center pivot or subsurface drip irrigation system to apply fertilizer and/or pesticides to growing cropsxq.
Chemigation is an environmentally friendly method of applying fertilizer and pesticide to a growing crop. It involves spoon-feeding the plant’s nutrient requirements based on the crop’s yield goal and growth stage. This method also saves time and labor by avoiding multiple field visits for equipment applications.
To legally chemigate in Nebraska, anyone applying chemicals through an irrigation system must complete a chemigation safety course and pass a written exam offered through the University of Nebraska Lincoln and the Nebraska Department of Water Energy and Environment (NDWEE). The program covers the Nebraska Chemigation Act, NDWEE rules, and safe application practices.
Permits are also required. Site-specific chemigation permits are issued by the LCNRD, and each injection site must have at least one current, certified applicator.
• Fees: $50 for new permits; $20 for renewals.
• Inspections: New permits must be inspected before use and permits renewed for three consecutive years with no alterations must be inspected during the growing season.
• System changes: Notify LCNRD within 72 hours of any alterations or replacements; LCNRD will inspect for compliance.
Permits must be renewed for the next season after the expiration date (June 1). Any permits submitted after the June 1st deadline will be treated as new permits and must be inspected by LCNRD. New chemigation permits are available any time, and required inspections of the chemigation equipment must be completed before use. Questions? Please call the NRD office at 402-254-6758
