Water News Archive

Friday, October 13, 2023

Harvest and Irrigation Outlook for Fall in Western Nebraska

Dry bean harvest with a Pickett specialty dry bean combine (photo by Gary Stone).

Harvest updates for sugarbeets, dry edible beans and corn in western Nebraska, and insights on the availability of water in reservoirs for the 2024 growing season.

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Impact of R Stage-timed Single Irrigation Events on Soybean Seed Number and Seed Mass

Results of a three-year study investigating the impact of mitigating water stress during soybean reproductive stages on the two components that comprise yield — seed number and seed mass.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Roots, Another Important Aspect of Cover Crops

Vesh Raj Thapa stands near root sample display

Researchers involved in a UNL-USDA NRCS study on cover crops highlight the importance of species selection, as each type of cover crop has a unique root system that contributes differently to soil health.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Featured Crop Nutrient Management Research

Throughout the field day, educators shared insights and conducted live demos on optimizing management of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, including via sensor-based fertigation.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Nebraska Soil Health School: A Success Story of Collaboration and Learning

Aaron Hird demonstrates impact of rainfall on different systems using a rainfall simulator

During its inaugural year, the Nebraska Soil Health School educated more than 200 producers and ag industry stakeholders on the latest research and practices for healthy soils to increase crop productivity.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Efficient and Effective Tree Watering

Drought conditions have led to stress in established trees and difficulty starting young trees. With the need for supplemental watering, correct irrigation practices are important to tree health and efficient water use.

Fall is tree planting time and an important time to water established trees in the absence of adequate precipitation. Whether a new tree or an established tree, correct watering is important. Too little as well as too much water can lead to tree stress, a decline in growth, and water waste.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Trading manure and crop residues, considerations for a fair trade

graphic showing 2 people shaking hands surrounded by a circle of arrows pointing to manure on one side and bales on the other.

With harvest around the corner, you might be considering trading manure for cornstalks or vice versa. In many ways, it’s easier to pay cash for either product, but there are advantages to trading. This article will focus on what kinds of things to consider to be sure any deal made is a fair trade.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Cover Crops a Focus at Annual WREEC Water and Crops Field Day

Producers at the field day swapped ideas and observations about cover crop production, and heard from extension educators and agronomists about best practices for their agricultural regions.

Friday, September 1, 2023

Soil and Water Conservation Society Honors 2023 Award Winners

Four leaders in Nebraska resource conservation and the Nebraska Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) were honored by the International SWCS this year.

Friday, September 1, 2023

Manure Stockpiles: Mind Your Manners

manure stockpile with markup showing where to place a dike

As responsible land stewards, farmers, who follow “good neighbor practices,” may save on commercial fertilizer costs while at the same time protecting groundwater from contamination due to nutrient leaching. Properly stockpiled manure stored on field edges can be a “win-win” for farmers and their rural neighbors through addressing two common concerns: runoff and odors.