This article is part of Loup Lines (Volume 46, No. 1) originally written by ​Alan Bartels, Lower Loup NRD Information & Education Coordinator.

ORD, Nebraska -- Nebraska farmers know a thing or two about doing more with less. Research conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020 showed that many Nebraska producers could reduce the amount of nitrogen (N) they apply without a significant impact on yield. UNL found that in many cases, more fertilizer is applied to farm fields than crops can use. And all too often it is applied at times of the year when crops cannot use it, for example, when anhydrous ammonia is applied in the fall following harvest (when there are no crops in the field).

Both situations leave that expensive fertilizer at risk of leaching into the groundwater resources from which most Nebraskans get their drinking water. The recent NebGuide publication from University of Nebraska Extension, “In-Season Nitrogen Management for Irrigated Corn,” states, “Fall N application, and significant N prior to planting in the spring, is not recommended for irrigated corn.”

Another report from the University of Nebraska, “Groundwater Nitrate in Nebraska: Key Factors and Timescales of Movement,” (posted online on May 5, 2024) states that “application of nitrogen fertilizers is a major source of nitrate-N in soils, vadose zone, and in groundwater in Nebraska.” Nitrogen is essential to plant growth, but the amount of it escaping the crop root zone and getting into our groundwater is increasing.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) continues to study linkages between consuming nitrate in drinking water and human health impacts. A growing number of studies indicate potential associations between nitrate consumption and increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, thyroid disease, and cancers such as colorectal, bladder, ovarian, and kidney. Evidence points toward an increased lifetime cancer risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. We should all be concerned that Nebraska’s rates of pediatric cancer are among the nation’s highest.

During its 2024 session, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB1368, the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA), into law. The new legislation encourages farmers to adopt innovative, sustainable practices to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer they are applying to fields. By reducing nitrogen usage, farmers can help to protect Nebraska’s water resources from nitrate contamination while still maintaining productive farms.

Of the $1 million of NiRIA funding available in Nebraska, more than $60,000 is designated for producers in the Lower Loup NRD. Ag producers who wish to participate in this incentive program must complete the application process by January 15, 2025. Applications will be ranked, and a higher ranking will be given to producers who incorporate innovative technology into their reduction practices, including biologicals, and chemigation scheduling. Approved applicants will be notified by March 15, 2025. Documentation showing the required nitrogen application reduction must be submitted to the Lower Loup NRD by January 15, 2026. Producers interested in the program can learn more and find the application at www.LLNRD.org.

NiRIA is a win-win for Nebraskans. Ag producers receive financial support for reducing their nitrogen use – which also saves them money since they won’t have to purchase as much fertilizer. On top of that, participants have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural resources while protecting the health of Nebraskans of all ages for generations to come.

A new flyer released by UNMC and Nebraska Extension explains what nitrate is and the health risks of consuming it, tells how people can protect their families from nitrate contaminated drinking water, and also explains how nitrate is getting into drinking water resources in areas of substantial agricultural production. Find it online at www.llnrd.org/about/news/nitrate-and-health.

All of us at the Lower Loup NRD wish a happy and healthy new year to the residents of the district, and beyond.