Water News Archive

Full Soil Water Profile Encouraged to Finish Crops Before Harvest

As surface/canal water usually curtails mid-September, extension recommends that Nebraska Panhandle producers ensure their soil water profiles are full to sustain crops through to harvest.

Uses of Compost in the Landscape

Compost is used as a soil amendment to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Over time, yearly additions of compost will improve your landscape or garden soil in many ways including the water holding capacity of sandy soils and water percolation in clay soils. 

Soil Water Tension Sensors to Schedule Irrigation in East-central Nebraska

Nebraska growers share Week 2 results of their irrigation management decisions based on soil moisture sensor data, as part of a new collaboration with extension educators.

Irrigation Season Could Run Longer for Dry Bean Crop

Updates on crop progress, irrigation water deliveries and crop water use for growers in the Panhandle and western Nebraska.

Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality Field Day

Nebraska Extension will host a Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality Field Day on August 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, NE.

Nebraska Beach Monitoring

Are you planning a day at the lake?  Did you know you can check on the water quality before you head out?

The Drought of 2023 Impact on Irrigation and What We Can Learn from It

The amount and timing of irrigation applied in recent years may have very little to do with what's needed this year. Review the factors before making a decision.

Irrigation for Maintaining the Landscape

As we move into the heat of the summer, we need to remember proper irrigation practices for our plants. It is just as easy to overwater as it is to underwater plants. And remember that irrigation practices differ among all different types of plants.

When you're ready to apply for EQIP...

Part 3 in a series of 3, this article explains the what you need to know when you want to apply for USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

From Soil to Swine: How One Nebraska Farmer Found Success in Manure Management

Nebraska farmer Walt Troudt added manure to his cropping system and hasn't looked back. Hear his account of the value of manure for farmers in Nebraska.

So, you're considering applying for EQIP...

Part 2 in a series of 3, this article explains the what to think about when considering applying for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

What is EQIP? And who is eligible?

Part 1 in a series of 3, this article explains the basics of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP.

How to Determine the Chemigation Injection Pump Setting for a Center Pivot with the End Gun Off and On

The key to knowing the correct setting for a chemigation pump is to first determine how many acres per hour the pivot will cover at the desired irrigation application depth or rate.

Storm-damaged Pivot Survey

Through this new survey, producers have the opportunity to assist Nebraska Extension with identifying factors that may contribute to increasing or decreasing storm damage to center pivots.

Soil-Water-Plant Interaction Basics

As irrigation season approaches, producers may find it beneficial to review the basics on how soil, water and plants all work together to grow crops.

Managing Animal Carcass Leachate to Prevent Water Pollution

PhD student Gustavo Castro shares some of the challenges of managing animal mortality in livestock production, focusing on routine and large-scale events due to disease outbreaks or natural disasters. This article discusses carcass disposal by burial, best practice for siting burial pits, prevention of groundwater contamination, and logistical challenges caused by large-scale mortality events.

Corn and Soybean Survival in Saturated and Flooded Soils

Several factors affect corn and soybean survival in flooded soils at early season growth stages. This Nebraska Extension article reviews considerations for growers concerned about impacts to seed germination for these crops.

Replanting Corn: Things To Do and Think About

Recent flooding events beginning May 20-21, 2024 in portions of the state have some concerned about the need to replant corn when waters recede. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions.

Q/A: What Impact Does Flooding and Saturated Soils Have on Wheat and Alfalfa?

Extension insights on crop recovery, disease and harvest considerations for flooded wheat and alfalfa fields.

Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Society to Host Annual Meeting in Scottsbluff

This year’s theme is “Tech Talks — Tech Walks,” focusing on various technologies, with tours planned at a local organic heritage seed farm and North Platte NRD's geothermal greenhouse.