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Tackling nitrates and securing a safe water supply for residents

A state farm bureau organization says it’s committed to helping reduce nitrates in municipal water supplies.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue tells Brownfield the agriculture industry could help improve nitrogen runoff. “That’s not going to happen overnight, but we can address quality drinking water for everybody.”

He says more research and technology is helping farmers be more efficient with nitrogen applications. “We know we can use less fertilizer and produce higher yields.  Technology is going to let us do that.  We can put less water on that is going to wash less nitrates through the soil.”

Farmer Jason Perdue says many farmers are trying to implement short- and long-term solutions on their farms. “Whether that is using stabilizers, split application, or really match up the use of nitrogen with what the crop needs.  If we can apply it in a manner that the crop uses it, we should be able to reduce or eliminate nitrates in the water.  From my perspective as a grower, that is what I’m trying to do.”

The organization says one of its priorities in the next legislative session will be to engage stakeholders to create solutions for cities and growers.