User Education / Certification Program
Producer education is a key component of all NRD Groundwater Management Plans. The University of Nebraska Extension developed the original version of a training program that was delivered via face-to-face interactions between producers and UNL Educators. This online version of the training program provides the knowledge base needed by producers to manage both nitrogen and irrigation in a manner that will reduce nonpoint source nitrogen contamination and be profitable.
Good management of both nitrogen and water is necessary to reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater. Below are key nitrogen and irrigation water management practices needed to protect water quality and conserve water.
| Keys for nitrogen management practices | Keys for irrigation water management practices |
|---|---|
| Set realistic expected yield goal | Use soil water sensors to know the current soil water content |
| Use deep soil samples to determine residual nitrate-nitrogen | Use crop ET information to check the accuracy of soil water sensors |
| Give proper credit for non-fertilizer nitrogen sources | Know how much water you apply by using a water meter; |
| Time nitrogen applications to match crop uptake needs | Manage pivot irrigation so there is always some room left in the root zone for capturing possible precipitation |
| Consider potential N losses, and manage to minimize them | Adjust both set times and furrow flow rates to apply water uniformly under furrow irrigation |
| Use some in-season N sensing technology to fine tune N applications | Use surge valves to increase furrow irrigation water application uniformity |
| Apply only the amount of nitrogen required to achieve expected yield | Schedule last irrigation to leave space for off-season precipitation |
| Understand the nitrogen cycle to manage fertilizer more effectively |
Instructions for the online course
Proceed to the training program
Additional Resources
|
Irrigation & Nitrogen Management Introduction |
Recent Trends in Nitrogen Fertilizer |
|
Soil Characteristics that Influence |
What Happens When Nitrogen is Applied to The Soil |
|
How to Determine the Optimum |
Giving Credit For Non-Fertilizer Nitrogen Sources |
|
How to Properly Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer |
Nebraska Irrigation Water Resources Management |
|
Understanding Crop Water Use |
Irrigation Management for Water Quality Protection |
|
Managing Furrow Irrigation |
Irrigation Water Management for Sprinkler Irrigation |
|
Managing Subsurface Drip Irrigation |
Supporting Videos
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