Today's Headlines
Zebra Mussels confirmed in Grove Lake
Drainage Reports Available
Zebra Mussels confirmed in Lake Koronis
Conservation practices on irrigated cropland
Anglers can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species
Clean, drain, dispose every time
In advance of this weekend's fishing opener, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Application of nitrogen fertilizer on cropland in the fall or on frozen soils will be restricted in vulnerable groundwater areas. - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has issued updated maps that will help farmers across the state comply with the Groundwater Protection Rule. The Groundwater Protection Rule aims to reduce the risk of nitrate from fertilizer impacting groundwater in areas of the state where soils are prone to leaching and where drinking water supplies are threatened. The rule restricts fall application of nitrogen fertilizer in areas vulnerable to contamination and it outlines steps to reduce the severity of contamination in areas where nitrate is already elevated in public water supply wells.
Restriction of fall fertilizer applications, in vulnerable groundwater areas, begins on September 1 each year. Farmers can visit the MDA website to view the vulnerable groundwater areas map and determine whether the restriction applies to their land.
With runoff, timing is everything
RUNOFF HAPPENS: Data from Discovery Farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin shows that runoff usually happens during two time periods — during snowmelt from February to April and during heavy rains falling from May through July.
MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program Adding Endorsements to Recognize Outstanding Farmers
Endorsements are for soil health, integrated pest management, and wildlife
St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is launching three new endorsements in addition to 10-year certification a farmer or landowner receives in the program. The new endorsements were announced at this week’s Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Convention.
Create a winter manure-spreading plan to prevent phosphorus loss
In Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Discovery Farms Program has been turning privately owned farms into research stations for the past 15 years. The water quality data collected from participating farms is used widely in educational materials and presentations to farmers and farm advisers that are working to reduce losses of on-farm sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment.