Water News Archive

Ten Ways to Cut Nitrogen Fertilizer Expenses

Ten Ways to Cut Nitrogen Fertilizer Expenses

With urea ammonium nitrate in short supply, Nebraska corn growers must make every pound of nitrogen count — start optimizing your N strategy today with these UNL recommendations and tools.
From Manure to Methane: A Student's Dive into Anaerobic Digestion and Sustainable Farming

From Manure to Methane: A Student's Dive into Anaerobic Digestion and Sustainable Farming

Alexis Samson, a sophomore agricultural engineering student, attended the Waste to Worth Conference where she expanded her knowledge of manure management, especially in the area of anaerobic digestion (AD). She learned that while AD systems can turn waste into biogas and fertilizer, their cost-effectiveness—especially for small farms—can be improved by incorporating food waste from local sources. Presentations at the conference also highlighted advancements in converting biogas to renewable natural gas (RNG), which offers both environmental and financial benefits for producers.
Efficiency’s Role in Irrigation and Nitrogen Use

Efficiency’s Role in Irrigation and Nitrogen Use

Advanced tools like soil moisture sensors, variable rate irrigation, and precision nitrogen management are driving gains in input efficiency and on-farm profitability.
How much water do cattle need and what water problems should cattle producers watch for?

How much water do cattle need and what water problems should cattle producers watch for?

Water is a critical nutrient for cattle, especially during hot summer months. Lactating cows may require 20–24 gallons of water per day, while calves need 5–10 gallons. Poor water quality—caused by high nitrates, sulfates, or blue-green algae—can lead to serious health issues or even death. Producers should regularly test water sources and manage tanks and troughs to ensure clean, safe, and accessible water for all classes of cattle.
Drought year causes groundwater level decline

Drought year causes groundwater level decline

The annual Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Report from the Conservation and Survey Division in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources shows that groundwater levels in the eastern half of the state continue to decline following several years of persistent drought.

May is Wildfire Prevention Month: Fire Smart Landscaping

May is Wildfire Prevention Month: Fire Smart Landscaping

Wildfires have been headline news not only in Nebraska but across the country. It’s comfortable to think a devastating wildfire can’t happen in your area, but it’s better to be aware of the possibility and be prepared. Learn the aspects of Fire Smart Landscaping including creating a defensible space, planning ahead for a fire event, and management of the surrounding landscapes to decrease potential fire damage.  
April Showers and Rain Barrels

April Showers and Rain Barrels

April showers bring May flowers. They also bring valuable rainwater to harvest and temporarily store for later use in watering plants. Old fashioned rain harvesting methods, like rain barrels, have made a comeback for this purpose.
Introducing PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management App

Introducing PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management App

Unlock real-time, in-field decision-making with UNL's new PLAN mobile app — bringing irrigation insights, crop water use and weather data straight to your fingertips.
No Matter Where You Live, Submit a Request Before You Dig!

No Matter Where You Live, Submit a Request Before You Dig!

Spring is here and that often means its time start outdoor projects. Whether you are spading in new trees, putting in a koi pond or other excavated landscape features, drilling a new well, or installing a new onsite wastewater system, you want to make sure a ‘Locate Request’ has been submitted to Nebraska811 before digging.

Nebraska811 is the statewide one-call notification center, set up by Nebraska state law. It is the link between people who want to excavate and the underground facility owners/operators.

Using Irrigation Scheduling Tools to Save Water Without Sacrificing Yield

Using Irrigation Scheduling Tools to Save Water Without Sacrificing Yield

Results from a series of UNL field trials in 2024 that compared traditional irrigation practices with data-driven scheduling tools highlight the potential for smarter irrigation to boost sustainability and reduce costs on the farm.
100 years of Nebraska nitrogen

100 years of Nebraska nitrogen

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient but increasingly found in our water. Here is a brief history:
DAWN Dashboard: A Decision Support Tool for the Corn Belt

DAWN Dashboard: A Decision Support Tool for the Corn Belt

Our Nebraska Digital Ag Survey indicated that digital dashboards have been adopted by three out of 10 farmers. Digital dashboards are considered decision support tools that can guide farmers in the decision-making process in their operations with the goal of increasing efficiency, productivity and sustainability of their farms. Data-driven decisions are a key goal for digital agriculture. In this article, we are highlighting the Dashboard for Agricultural Water and Nutrient Management (DAWN), developed by a team of universities as part of a USDA NIFA grant.
Nebraska Mesonet Launches Improved, Real-time Weather Data

Nebraska Mesonet Launches Improved, Real-time Weather Data

The Nebraska Mesonet, a critical tool for weather monitoring and data collection across the state, has launched a redesigned, user-friendly website offering real-time weather data. The upgrade comes as the mesonet is growing its network of weather monitoring stations across Nebraska to offer more accurate data.
Manure source delays and opportunities related to HPAI

Manure source delays and opportunities related to HPAI

Following a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak, there may be a delay in the ability to receive manure and other products from those barns.

Managing Spring Drought

Managing Spring Drought

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Nebraska is experiencing some level of drought, ranging from "Abnormally Dry" to "Extreme Drought". Lancaster county is currently classified with “moderate drought” conditions. To find the drought conditions for your location at any time throughout the year summer, visit droughtmonitor.unl.edu

Is it Time to Water?

Registration Open for 2025 Water for Food Global Conference

Registration Open for 2025 Water for Food Global Conference

How can we ensure everyone has long-term availability of clean water and nutritious food in the face of a changing climate? With a theme of “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” the Water for Food Global Conference tackles this critical question, convening global experts to explore innovative solutions and build a more resilient tomorrow. The conference will be held April 28–May 2, 2025 and is hosted by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, bringing together leaders working to solve one of the world’s most pressing issues — feeding a growing planet while preserving our precious natural resources.
A Beginner's Guide to Manure Spreaders: Ensuring Even Application for Healthy Fields

A Beginner's Guide to Manure Spreaders: Ensuring Even Application for Healthy Fields

Manure spreaders are essential tools for distributing nutrients to crops to improve fertility and improve soil health. Therefore, achieving an even application of manure is just as important as with commercial fertilizers. Proper placement ensures that every part of a field receives the nutrients needed, leading to healthier crops and soil biology. This guide explains how to use manure spreaders effectively.
Be Groundwater Aware in Your Day-to-Day Life!

Be Groundwater Aware in Your Day-to-Day Life!

National Groundwater Awareness Week is March 9–15, making it the perfect time to talk about groundwater in Nebraska! What exactly is groundwater? It is the water below the earth’s surface that fills the interconnected voids and cracks in and around soil particles, sand, gravel and rock — all of this is what we call an aquifer. Groundwater is the most abundant supply of freshwater in the world and is the water source that private drinking water, irrigation, livestock and many public water-supply wells draw from.

Drought Effects on Trees

The drought is continuing across the state of Nebraska. This drought has been going on for over 3 years and we are already seeing problems in our plants. These problems will continue to get worse if we don’t have good precipitation through spring and summer this year.
Manure Rules not just for Large CAFOs

Manure Rules not just for Large CAFOs

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the amount of manure regulations in Nebraska? Or anywhere? This article simplifies basic manure regulations. Manure rules can be hard to remember, but always remember your Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy representative is a great resource. Don’t be afraid to call them if you have questions. And, as always, the UNL manure team is here to help if called upon.