Nitrogen management & groundwater: What to know

Abstract

A lot of the conversation about nitrogen management centers around environmental issues, and in particular, nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. Today we’ll discuss N management and nitrate levels in groundwater. What are some effects of elevated nitrate levels in both infants and adults? When were elevated levels first discovered in Minnesota? How do different soil types factor into nitrogen loss to goundwater? What's being done to address this issue at state, county and municipal levels? How do changing climate conditions affect how we proceed? All this and more on today's episode. Additional resources: Nitrate in community water systems (https://data.web.health.state.mn.us/nitrate-messaging); Drinking water in Minnesota (https://extension.umn.edu/homes-and-water/drinking-water-minnesota#:~:text=Nitrates%20can%20be%20found%20in,are%20at%20the%20highest%20risk); How to interpret a water test for nitrate (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2023/04/how-to-interpret-water-test-for-nitrate.html); Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/minnesota-nitrogen-fertilizer-management-plan)