The Impact of Spring Rainfall on Available Soil Moisture

Surface soil texture map for Nebraska.
Nebraskans in the eastern part of the state have recently experienced good rainfall during April and early May. This was a much-needed relief, especially considering the dry winter with minimal rainfall/snowfall and the dry 2023 growing season. While rainfall is always welcomed, assessing whether the received rainfall was sufficient to recharge soil moisture to adequate levels is not an easy task. This information plays a crucial role in planning the first irrigation event of the season and estimating the duration until water deficit begins to affect crops in dryland fields.

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Groundwater Nitrate in Nebraska: Key Factors and Timescales of Movement

Factors Influencing Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations

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UNL Researchers Advance Soil Health Cycle Concept

soil health cycle infographic
Inspired by an extension event survey comment, Dr. Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, conceptualized the soil health cycle (SHC) as an iterative soil health management cycle to achieve agricultural sustainability.

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Landscape Mulch for Water Conservation

Young tree planted with bark mulch surrounding it
Mulching landscape beds and gardens is a waterwise practice. Conserving soil moisture, controlling weeds, mitigating soil temperature extremes, and improving soil health are key benefits.

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

Image credit: Nebraska 811

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.

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Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot
Alfalfa is a tough perennial with established rooting depths down eight feet or more. Depending on deep soil profile moisture, some varieties can extend spring dormancy and survive up to 45 days without rainfall. However, forage yields drop dramatically, since alfalfa requires about six inches of root available water to produce one ton of forage per acre.

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Choosing a manure application rate

truck spreading manure
An often asked question is, "how much manure do I need?". The answer is not as simple as the question. It depends on the crop you are growing and the expected yield, existing soil nutrients, knowing your goals, the type of manure you wish to use, and any other fertilizer nutrients you expect to apply.

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Nitrogen Fertilizer Trends in Nebraska from 1955-2023

fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency dot graph
This Nebraska Extension article highlights the impact of factors such as plant genetics and improved production practices to fertilizer consumption in Nebraska over numerous decades.

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Using technology to monitor water on the ranch

cattle at a water tank
Producers who are looking to minimize time spent checking water may consider investing in one of many modern water monitoring solutions.

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Yonts Water Conference

The Yonts Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at the Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, in Scottsbluff. The morning begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration.

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