Water News Archive

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Available Nationwide

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided an additional $19.5 billion over five years for climate samrt agriculture through several of the conservation programs that USDA's Natural Reseources Conservation Services (NRCS) implements. NRCS is making available $850 million in fiscal year 2023 for its oversubscribed conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP). Nebraska producers have until March 17 to apply for easement funds and March 31, 2023 to apply for conservation program funds at your local NRCS field office.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Manure Improves Soil Health and Provides Yield Stability and Reliability

Image showing different manure benefits to corn production

Cattle manure is a valuable resource for farmers, as it contains an abundance of macro and micronutrients that are essential for plant growth and development. The nutrients present in manure, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other minerals are essential for soil fertility. One of the most significant advantages of using cattle manure as a fertilizer is that it can enhance the soil organic matter (SOM) content. Soil organic matter plays a crucial role in improving soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability. Moreover, cattle manure can also increase the changeable fractions of carbon (C) & nitrogen (N) and enhance soil microbial activity, which is crucial for the decomposition and stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC). The Knorr Holden plot, located at the Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, Scottsbluff, Nebraska presents a unique opportunity for studying the impact of long-term manure (more than 77 years) applications on soil health and crop productivity.

Monday, February 27, 2023

Calculating the Value of Nutrients in Manure

“How much is this manure worth?” This is a common question from both livestock farmers who are supplying manure and crop farmers who are utilizing it. To answer this question, it is important to understand the difference between gross value and net value. The gross value of manure reflects the equivalent commercial fertilizer value of the nutrients contained in the manure. The net value considers the impacts of application method, transportation, and cropping system nutrient needs as well as intrinsic values that are much more difficult to put a number on. Therefore, this article will focus on determining the gross value of nutrients in manure.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Beneficial Fungi and Tree Health

Tree health is often a reflection root health. Good practices to improve root health include properly applied organic mulch, good water management to avoid overwatering but providing water as needed during dry periods, and avoiding root damage from construction or changes in soil grade. The Image shows thin white fungal mycorrhizae on the roots of a slash pine by Paul A. Mistretta, USDAForest Service, Bugwood.org

Monday, February 6, 2023

Nebraska On-Farm Research Network: Reliable, Research-based Information (Webinar)

Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson and Lexington farmer Don Batie discuss research studies conducted by the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and their impact on farming in Nebraska.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Growth and Modification Set for 2023 TAPS Year

TAPS is expanding its competition in 2023 with a new irrigated popcorn competition, a cover crops option for sprinkler corn, and a new location for the sorghum competition. The expansion also includes a new TAPS competition in Colorado.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Nebraska NRCS announces ACT Now Signup 2

Nebraska NRCS has announced ACT Now Signup 2 for initiatives and EQIP programs. An ACT Now signup process will be utilized for the Bazile, Big Sandy and Turkey Creek NWQIs and EQIP CPAs, DIAs, and CEMAs. Applications that may have been received for these initiatives after the November 18, 2022 EQIP application cutoff but prior to the December 19,2022 Signup 2 announcement, are eligible as well.

Friday, January 20, 2023

Private Pesticide Training Offered by Zoom for 2023

Zoom training sessions will focus on pesticides for corn and soybean on March 8 and April 4, and for pastures on March 21.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Impact of Irrigation Technologies on Water Use: Clarifying Water Withdrawals and Consumptive Use

A new Nebraska Extension NebGuide clarifies the concept of consumptive use of water with regard to irrigated crop production and provides guidelines for determining the efficiency of new irrigation technology.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Avoid Traffic on Frozen Turf

As I walk around my yard with my dog, I wonder about the impacts it has on my turf for the spring. Walking on frozen turf can have detrimental effects. During the spring and summer, we can walk on our lawns and turf fields with no damage. During the growing season, turf plants can recover from traffic through active regrowth. However, during the winter the turf is dormant and cannot recover from the damage until the spring.