Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Date of this Version
1-31-2012
Citation
Roy Spalding and Martin Toavs (2012). REVISED 2011 Vadose Zone Nitrate Study at Hastings, NE.
Abstract
In an effort to assist Hastings Utilities in the management of their well-head protection area (WHP A) and to protect the groundwater from the impact of nitrate loading from potential nonpoint and point sources, Hastings Utilities subcontracted with the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska for deep vadose zone coring. Continuous 60-ft soil cores were obtained at 36 sites within the apparent WHP A (Figure 1). The sites were selected by Marty Stange on the basis of availability for sampling, management, landuse , cropping history, and location within the WHPA. Nitrogen analyses of these deep soil samples provide a baseline of vadose zone nitrate and ammonium concentrations. The results are used in this report to evaluate which agricultural practices within or near the WHP A significantly impact leaching of nitrate in the uppermost 60-ft of the unsaturated zone. The investigation is used to estimate whether improved water and nutrient management practices have a measureable effect on decreasing future nitrate loading to the groundwater beneath the WHP A. Such evaluations are useful in supporting improved practices that can lower nitrate loading in the capture zones of municipal wells.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agriculture Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Botany Commons, Horticulture Commons, Other Plant Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons
Comments
In partial fulfillment for funding received from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and NDEQ to assist Hastings Utilities with proposed "Management Planning for Safer Source Water"
Copyright (c) 2012 Roy Spalding and Martin Toavs