Crop Production

The production of crops is the heart of Nebraska's economy. Water is essential to all plant growth. Thus Nebraska's economy relies on a plentiful supply of water to produce crops – in both rainfed and irrigated environments. Several factors involved with producing crops interact with either water supply or water quality issues – or both.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

New Article Traces Aspects of the History of Irrigation in the Great Plains and Water Productivity

A review of the history of irrigation in the Great Plains region from a geographical, technical and political perspective, as well as how it has impacted water resources.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Husker Researchers Develop Tool to Make Irrigation More Efficient

A research paper by University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientists points to an innovative irrigation approach that offers promise to decrease water use while increasing producer profitability.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Valuing Manure as a Seller or a Buyer

When talking about manure's value, one needs to think about a variety of factors. Most folks think of fertilizer nutrients as manure’s primary value or MVP, but it takes more than one or two star players to make a great team. As such, manure wouldn't be as great as it is without other characteristics like the added organic matter that you get when applying manure, or the microbial community that is added to your field with that application.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Economic Impact of the Irrigation Equipment and Services Industry

A new study by University of Nebraska's DWFI and NDMC measured the economic impact of the irrigation industry in the United States and found that it has been growing by 2% per year since 2010 with a direct economic impact of nearly $9 billion and indirect impacts of $23.3 billion.

Friday, January 14, 2022

Without a trace? Adding mineral to irrigation may lower toxic elements in soils

Arsenic, uranium and other trace elements naturally occur in topsoil across the U.S. Corn Belt, including the Cornhusker State. Crops grown in soils containing elevated levels of those trace elements can absorb them through roots, potentially curbing growth and threatening the health of those who regularly consume them.

University of Nebraska Water Sciences Lab researched the effects of adding ferrihydrite — a nanoscopic mineral. Continue reading in Nebraska Today.