Lower Loup could be first NRD to ban fall fertilizer in effort to address high nitrates

BROKEN BOW, NEB. — More than a million acres of farm land could face new regulations as the Lower Loup could become the first Natural Resources District in the state to ban fall applications of commercial fertilizer.

“Preemptive strike,” explained Tim Bartak.

Wells in the area are showing higher levels of nitrates and trending up according to testing by the Lower Loup NRD.

NRD officials said the median nitrate level in Nebraska has doubled since 1978 and continues to climb.

Bartak says farmers need to show they're taking seriously an issue that's been linked to childhood cancer and Nebraska has some of the highest rates of pediatric cancers in the United States.

“I think that's part of it, a plan, show we have a plan in place,” he said.

Bartak farms in Custer County and serves on the Lower Loup board. He said he doesn’t like telling neighbors how to farm, including rules prohibiting anhydrous from being applied in the fall.

“Nobody likes being told what to do, it's the way we are,” he said.

Now farmers in 16 counties could find fall fertilizer banned under rules proposed by the NRD.

“We find it's a risky practice or riskier than other practices,” said Russ Callan, general manager of the LLNRD.

If weather is favorable some farmers find it convenient to knock out that chore of fertilizing before the snow flies. But that leaves nitrogen in and on the ground – for 6 months or longer until it is needed with no plants to use it.

Callan says research shows nitrogen applied during the growing season, or close to it, is best.

“We don't want to stifle our growth. we want to continue to grow good crops, we want people to succeed. we just need to be more efficient and keep an eye on water sources,” Callan said.

This NRD based in Ord account for about a tenth of Nebraska.

“We have 1.2 million irrigated acres. It's a significant rule. That's why we're getting out with public meetings letting people know what we're intending,” Callan said.

They’ve held educational meetings in Broken Bow, Ord, and Genoa.

Other NRDs have restrictions on fall fertilizer in certain areas but this would be the first district-wide ban in the state. Tim Bartak says the idea is to act locally.

“Better than the state telling us to do something. At this point we still have local control,” he said.

The Lower Loup NRD took public testimony Thursday and Callan said they’re likely to vote at an upcoming meeting.