Questions

Questions & Answers
about the Groundwater Quality Management Plan

Question: Why aren’t urban areas such as Grand Island, Kearney, Shelton and Gibbon regulated on the amount of fertilizer that they put on their lawns when farmers are regulated on the amount that we put on our crops?

Answer: Deep soil samples were taken from a number of lawns in Kearney and Grand Island where there was a long history of fertilizer applications. Residual nitrate/nitrogen levels averaged 6 pounds per foot of soil. Native grass averages 5 pounds per foot, while irrigated cornfields average 22 pounds per foot of residual nitrate/nitrogen.

Question: Why does the cost share on Center Pivots vary from $5,000 to 30-40% of entire cost?

Answer: There are two different programs that offer cost share assistance for center pivots. The Central Platte NRD’s cost share program is an incentive payment of $5,000. The other is offered by the US Department of Agriculture’s EQIP Program which offers a percentage of the total cost of the pivot. In 2002, the EQIP rate was 40 percent cost share and this year the rate is 30 percent of entire cost.

Question: Why doesn’t the NRD cost share on water and soil testing?

Answer: If a producer utilizes the nitrogen that is still in the top three feet of soil left by past applications, he will realize greater profit by being able to reduce the amount of new applied nitrogen far offsetting the cost of the soil samples. The same scenario applies to the water testing. They more than pay for themselves!

Question: The FSA already has information such as acres planted and yields, so why do we have to submit the same information to the NRD?

Answer: The information is used for different purposes. The FSA office uses information for USDA Farm Program purposes, while the NRD’s uses are geared toward nitrogen management.

Question: Why am I required to measure my water use?

Answer: Over-application of irrigation water is just like a heavy rainstorm. The root zone is over-filled and leaches nitrogen below the root zone, ending up in the groundwater. A 4-inch application of irrigation water is just as bad as a 4-inch rain.

Question: How do I sample my surface water irrigated operations?

Answer: The NRD does not require sampling of surface water. Current laws do not provide NRDs the authority to sample surface water, even though it would be a good practice.

Question: Why are Nitrogen Management Reports required every year?

Answer: The NRD requires annual Nitrogen Management Reports every year to determine if the Program is working. Without soil and water samples, the NRD would have no database to determine if regulations are working and/or if changes are necessary.

Question: Does the producer or the landowner provide information on rental properties?

Answer: The NRD works with the producer since he/she is the person responsible for operations. The landowner is contacted if a producer is not in compliance with the NRD’s Rules and Regulations. Final responsibility for compliance lies with the owner of the farmland.

Question: If I use manure/sludge along with commercial fertilizer, how do I determine the amount of nitrogen used?

Answer: Take one sample of the manure/sludge that you will be applying to your local lab and have it analyzed for nitrogen content. Then, subtract the nitrogen found in the sample from the rate of fertilizer you would have applied.

Question: Why are some properties moving into different Phase Areas?

Answer: The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requiring the NRD to lower the trigger levels of each Phase. Current trigger levels include: Phase I: 0-7.5 ppm Phase II: 7.6-15.0 ppm Phase III: 15.1 +
Phase IV: Areas where nitrate levels are not declining at an acceptable rate.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that any amount above 10 ppm is harmful to humans. Although the DNR requested that all trigger levels within the Central Platte NRD be lower than 10 ppm, an agreement was made on the proposed trigger levels. The NRD board and staff believe it will take years to see a difference in the average nitrate levels and did not want to add stricter regulations to those producers who have already implemented best management practices.

Question: In the proposed Program, there is a March 1st deadline for a form. What is this form and what happens if it isn’t submitted before the deadline?

Answer: The new March 1st form must include the expected crop yields, acres, crop, water and soil tests, credits for past legume crop and manure or sludge, and the District’s recommended nitrogen application rate. An earlier deadline for this information gives the producer foresight into how much nitrogen is already available to the crop by utilizing the results of his soil and water tests. If regulations are not followed, the Board has the authority to issue Cease & Desist Orders which are enforceable by the Courts.

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