Improving Irrigation Management in Nebraska's Central Platte Valley

Abstract

When nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaches below the crop root zone, it can become a major source of ground water contamination. This kind of nonpoint-source contamination is a chronic problem in the central Platte valley of Nebraska. Because NO3-N is soluble, it moves with soil water. Applying irrigation water in excess of the soil water-holding capacity results in deep percolation and possible NO3-N leaching. The Irrigation Water Management Education and Demonstration Program~Splash--was designed to improve the irrigation water management skills of producers and reduce NO3-N leaching. Splash staff visited weekly with project participants to provide intensive, technically oriented, one-on-one irrigation-water management educational services. Producers learned about the economic and environmental benefits of adopting research-proven, innovative irrigation technologies and best management practices (BMPs). During the 5-yr life of Splash, 165 producers participated. Approximately 3960 ha were enrolled in the program, with irrigation BMPs being extended to an additional 21 555 ha. A 1998 participant survey indicated that cooperators believed the annual value of Splash technical consultations, education, and BMP adoption was $23.20 ha -!. An estimated 27.9 million m 3 of irrigation water were conserved over the life of the project. Approximately 480 000 kg of NO3-N were prevented from leaching to the ground water. Sixty-five percent of participants rated the Splash program as agoodto excellent investment of public funds. Eighty-five percent believed the Splash program had improved their understanding of irrigation water management practices. Working intensively with producers was effective in improving their irrigation water management skills.