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L&C NRD promotes best management practices, cost-share opportunities
HARTINGTON — As area farmers and ranchers prepare for the growing season, the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District encourages agricultural producers to take advantage of proven best management practices, irrigation technologies, and available conservation costshare programs. These tools can help improve fertilizer and water use efficiency, reduce input costs, and protect groundwater and surface water resources.
Sound nutrient management is a key part of sustainable and profitable crop production. LCNRD encourages producers to use soil and irrigation water sampling to determine fertilizer application rates, particularly for nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for crop growth, but it moves easily through the soil; excess application or poor timing can increase the risk of nitrate contamination in groundwater. Knowing what nutrients are already present in the soil and irrigation water can help avoid over-application, reduce fertilizer expenses, and reduce nitrate leaching.
Nitrogen in irrigation water is a known and measurable nutrient source. For every 1 parts per million (ppm) of nitrate present, irrigation water supplies about 2.7 pounds of nitrogen per acre per foot applied. When this existing nitrogen is credited in a nutrient management plan, producers can often reduce commercial fertilizer use and improve overall efficiency.
LCNRD offers cost-share through its Water Resources Technology & Conservation Program to help producers adopt irrigation and water management tools that improve efficiency and conserve water. Eligible practices include soil moisture monitoring equipment, irrigation scheduling tools, and other conservation technologies designed to reduce water use and limit nitrate movement below the crop root zone. These efforts also support Natural Resources Districts’ responsibility to implement groundwater management plans that reflect local conditions and protect soil and water resources while maintaining productive and profitable agricultural systems.
The program is available to producers throughout the district, with an emphasis on projects located within the Bow Creek Watershed, Bazile Groundwater Management Area, and designated Wellhead Protection Areas. Approved practices can receive cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent, helping reduce financial barriers to adopting new technologies.
Producers interested in learning more about best management practices and the Irrigation Technology and Conservation cost-share opportunities are encouraged to contact the LCNRD office at 402-254-6758, stop by the office, or visit lcnrd.nebraska.gov for additional information.
