By Scout Nelson
This spring, Minnesota Corn is once again facilitating corn farmers with the opportunity to participate in free nitrate screenings. These screenings are crucial for farmers looking to enhance their understanding of water conditions and assess the potential nutrient loss on their lands.
Farmers interested in taking advantage of this offer can contact their MCGA District Field Manager to submit a water sample for testing. The screening service is available throughout the spring and early summer, ensuring ample opportunity for participation. All results from the screenings are kept confidential, maintaining privacy for all participants.
Sample Collection Procedure: To collect a sample from ditch, stream, or tile water, simply gather 1 cup of water in a clean plastic or glass container. If the sample is not analyzed on the same day, it should be frozen immediately after collection and thawed only before testing. For same-day analysis, keep the sample cool.
For well water, which is used for drinking, let the cold tap run for 5-10 minutes before collecting about 1 cup of water in a similar clean container. Follow the same storage process as for other types of water samples.
Understanding Nitrate Levels: The interpretation of nitrate levels can vary depending on several factors including precipitation, temperature, crop growth, and the design of tile systems. For drinking water, the evaluation is more straightforward as the federal nitrate standard has been set at 10 mg/l for nearly 70 years.
Support from Minnesota Corn: Through contributions to the Minnesota corn checkoff, corn farmers collectively invest over $2 million annually in initiatives that enhance on-farm practices and expand market opportunities.
This includes supporting research and educational programs like Nitrogen Smart from the University of Minnesota Extension, which offers strategies to optimize nitrogen usage, thereby enhancing both economic returns and environmental stewardship.
Additional resources and information about nitrate management and water quality can be accessed through the University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center (MAWRC), and Discovery Farms Minnesota.
These organizations provide invaluable insights and data that aid in addressing water-related issues specific to agriculture.
Farmers looking for more detailed information can visit the Minnesota Corn website or contact their local extension services for further assistance on nutrient management and water quality.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Energy, Weather