Biological benefits of manure application on agricultural soils

Biological Benefits of Manure Application
Soil quality has been traditionally described in terms of chemical and physical properties; however, soil organisms play an important role in soil health. Some studies suggest that using manure as soil amendment could result in increased microbial biomass, which results in higher soil bacteria, fungi and higher microbial activity. Soil microbial activity is crucial for nutrient cycling, aggregate stability, fertility, and other soil characteristics leading to better crop productivity.

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Improving Soil Structure for Increased Infiltration and Water Holding Capacity

Compost

Plant roots grow in soil pore spaces. Pore spaces are also where oxygen is found. Just as plant roots cannot grow without water, they cannot grow without oxygen. Soil pore space is important to plant growth and efficient water use.

Soils with good structure have adequate pore space making them well drained while still having good water and nutrient holding capacity. Ideal soils have 50 percent soil particles and 50 percent pore space. An important aspect of good soil structure is soil aggregation.

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Nebraska Nitrate Working Groups - Summary and Call for Action

An aerial view of pivot circles
Collaborating organizations
Aubudon Nebraska
Aubudon Nebraska
Central Platte Natural Resources District

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Naturally Occurring Elements in Groundwater Last in a Series - Uranium

Testing kit and list of publications

There are naturally occurring elements and minerals within Nebraska geology, and with that, it is not uncommon to find them in Nebraska’s groundwater. The final installment of the Spotlight Series is Uranium.

Uranium

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Slow it Down, Soak it in: Conserving Rainwater with Downspout Disconnection

downspout redirection into a flower garden

When it rains in July and August, we are almost always thankful for the moisture. And yet this valuable resource is often directed off of properties and out of town as quickly as possible via downspouts and storm drains.

Stormwater runoff is rainwater that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, bare soil, sloped lawns, and other areas.

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Backyard Biogas Production from Animal Manure: Process and Utilization

Fixed-Dome Type biogas plant (Vigeli et al, 2014)
This article outlines the process of production and benefits of utilization of biogas from manure for small scale animal farmers, especially those in developing countries. Apart from the sanitary benefit of proper management of manure, this article highlights other benefits that can be derived from animal manure. Thus, encouraging these farmers to store manure from their animal farms for use, thereby changing waste to valuable resources.

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Update on 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout, Irrigation Water Outlook for 2021

Irrigation water flows through Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal in 2021.

Irrigation is in full swing for the North Platte Valley in the Panhandle of Nebraska. 

Water deliveries by the four major irrigation districts (Pathfinder, Gering-Fort Laramie, Goshen and Farmers) are expected to be near normal. The districts hope to deliver water to growers through the first week in September.

Link to full article

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2021 Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day

Precision Nitrogen Application

This FREE event on 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship features knowledge and tools to improve nutrient management, soil health, crop yields and water quality. This is a great opportunity to learn about 4Rs strategies to improve crop yield and profits while protecting the environment.

Earn 4.5 CEUs on Nutrient Management.

Link to full article and registration information

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Protecting Groundwater by Managing Animal Manure Products

A monitoring well
Groundwater is often the main source of drinking water for rural communities, especially in the Midwestern United States, so it is important to keep that water at levels that are safe to drink while minimizing environmental impacts. Although animal manure has many benefits to farmers, it can contaminate groundwater supply if not managed properly. This article discusses important considerations when storing and applying manure and includes requirements for testing of well water.

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