Life Sciences Commons^™

G98-1369 Drinking Water: Nitrate And Methemoglobinemia ("Blue Baby" Syndrome), Sharon Skipton, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, its effect on infants and prevention methods. Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder caused when nitrite interacts with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Unlike hemoglobin, the methemoglobin formed in this interaction cannot carry sufficient oxygen to the body's cells and tissues. Although methemoglobinemia is rare among adults, cases have been reported among infants, where nitrate-contaminated well water was used to prepare formula and other baby foods. Nitrate in well water may result from point sources such as sewage disposal systems and livestock facilities, from nonpoint sources such as fertilized cropland, parks, golf courses, …

Ec98-750 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 12: Silage Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Silage is an important feed for livestock-based agriculture. When properly harvested and stored, silage poses little or no pollution threat, but improper handling can lead to a significant flow of silage juices (or leachate) from the silo. Leachate is an organic liquid that results from pressure in the silo or from extra water entering the silo. It is usually a problem only when silage is fresh, or just after storage. This loss of leachate represents a loss of nutrient value from the silage.

Ec98-749 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 12: Improving Silage Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Silage is an important feed for livestock-based agriculture. When properly harvested and stored, silage poses little or no pollution threat, but improper handling can lead to a significant flow of silage juices (or leachate) from the silo. Leachate is an organic liquid that results from pressure in the silo or from extra water entering the silo. It is usually a problem only when silage is fresh, or just after storage. This loss of leachate represents a loss of nutrient value from the silage.

Ec98-748 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 2: Site Evaluation, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why is the site evaluation important? The effect of farm, ranch or homesite practices on groundwater depends in part on the physical characteristics of your site: soil type, subsurface characteristics and depth to groundwater. That’s why evaluating the soils and geologic characteristics of your site is such an important step in protecting the groundwater you drink. This evaluation focuses primarily on the farmstead or homesite and risk to groundwater, but, to a limited extent, also addresses surface water. The worksheet can be applied to land beyond the farmstead or homesite, but the variation in soils and geologic materials would have …

Ec98-747 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska's System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Summary Worksheet 1: Overall Assessment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication is the first of many dealing with Nebraska's Water Contamination. Getting started You will return to this worksheet after completing all other worksheets. It is designed toreview your total activities and give you a summary of areas of concern. It is suggested that you complete Worksheet 2 first and then complete all additional worksheets that pertain to your farm, ranch, or homesite. Transfer results from individual worksheets to complete this overall summary

Ec98-752 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 9: Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Accumulating manure in storage incurs certain risks to the environment and to human and animal health unless appropriate precautions are taken.Manure can contribute nutrients and disease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater.

Ec98-751 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 9: Improving Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure storage is an important manure management option for livestock producers. Stored manure can be applied to the soil when nutrient uptake by crops can be maximized and weather related losses minimized. Preplant applications of manure incorporated into the soil ensures maximum crop nutrient value, while reducing risks of water contamination.

Ec98-758 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 11: Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal.

Ec98-757 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 11: Improving Land Application Of Manure, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Resource or waste? Stewardship of soil and water resources should be a goal of every livestock producer. Management decisions made relative to land application of livestock manure will influence the ability to attain that goal. An evaluation of your land application practices should focus on the following question: Is manure a waste or are source?

Ec98-756 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 13: Milking Center Effluent Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Milking center effluent is usually considered a dairy sanitation problem. If not properly managed, however, the effluent can contaminate both groundwater and surface water.

Ec98-766 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 3: Drinking Water Well Condition, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Essentially all of Nebraska’s rural residents use groundwater to supply their drinking water and farm needs. Wells should provide clean water. If wells are improperly constructed or maintained, however, they can allow bacteria, pesticides, fertilizer, oil products, or other pollutants to contaminate groundwater. These contaminants can put family, pets and livestock health at risk.

Ec98-763 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 6: Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Aboveground and underground storage of liquid petroleum products such as motor fuel and heating fuel presents a threat to public health and the environment. Nearly one out of every four underground storage tanks in the United States may now be leaking, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If an underground petroleum tank is more than 20 years old, especially if it’s not protected against corrosion, the potential for leaking increases dramatically. Newer tanks and piping can leak, too, especially if they were improperly installed.

Ec98-762 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 6: Improving Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Petroleum product storage is an area of great concern for groundwater safety. It’s not uncommon for fuel to leak into aquifers and pollute the drinking water of a family or even a community, and it can be very costly for the landowner. Petroleum product storage is regulated by laws regarding fire safety and air quality as well. Therefore, petroleum product storage must be evaluated from various perspectives. This factsheet examines some important aspects of petroleum product storage: where the tank is located on your property, the type of tank, how to monitor the tank, reduction of losses from aboveground tanks, …

Ec98-761 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 10: Livestock Yards Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Livestock yards, such as barnyards, holding areas and feedlots, are areas of concentrated livestock wastes and a potential source of nutrient, solids, and bacteria contamination of surface and groundwater. Yards that are abandoned permanently or are inactive temporarily also represent a potential risk.

Ec98-759 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Fact Sheet 10: Improving Livestock Yards Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Besides addressing the potential of livestock yards to pollute surface and groundwater, other good reasons for improving management practices include ease of maintenance, improved herd health, and quality milk or meat production. This fact sheet discusses six issues critical to minimizing the impact of livestock yards on water quality.

Ec98-772 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 8: Household Wastewater Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Virtually all farms and rural housing use a septic system or similar on-site wastewater treatment system. While these systems are generally economical and safe, household wastewater can contain contaminants that degrade water quality for uses such as drinking, pet and stock watering, food preparation, and cleaning. Potential contaminants in household wastewater include disease-causing bacteria, infectious viruses, household chemicals, and excess nutrients, such as nitrate.

Ec98-770 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 5: Fertilizer Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Fertilizers play a vital role in agriculture. Over the years, fertilizers have increased farm production dramatically. Commercial fertilizer is, however, a major source of nitrate. Your drinking water is least likely to be contaminated if you follow appropriate management procedures or dispose of wastes off the farm site. However, proper offsite disposal practices are essential to avoid risking contamination that could affect the water supplies and health of others.

Ec98-769 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 5: Improving Fertilizer Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Fertilizer storage practices If stored safely in a secure location, fertilizers pose little danger to groundwater. Common sense suggests keeping fertilizer dry and out of the way of activities that might rip open a bag or allow rain to enter a bulk container.

Ec98-768 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 4: Pesticide Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Pesticides are showing up where they’re not wanted — in our drinking water. If pesticides are not handled and stored correctly around the farm, they can seep through the ground after a leak or spill, or enter a well directly during mixing and loading. Pesticides play an important role in agriculture. They have increased farm production and enabled farmers to manage more acres with less labor.

Ec98-767 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 4: Improving Pesticide Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

We’ll look at five areas of pesticide management on your farm: 1. pesticide storage practices 2. mixing and loading practices 3. spill cleanup 4. container disposal practices 5. other management practices When handling pesticides, wear proper protective clothing and equipment at all times. See the pesticide label for details.

Ec98-793 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 16: Crop Pesticide Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Pesticides are important agricultural production tools that provide many benefits. Pesticides have been developed and used because human beings compete with insects, weeds, diseases and rodents for food, fiber and habitation. Proper management of these pests requires a responsible, systematic approach, which Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides.

Ec98-791 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 15: Irrigation Wellhead Protection, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Nebraska’s 80,000+ irrigation wells can provide a direct conduit for contaminants to reach groundwater supplies unless properly located, constructed, and protected. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for essentially all of Nebraska’s rural residents and most residents of our towns and cities. It is critical that every effort be made to protect groundwater quality. Irrigation wells can be constructed and maintained to assure that groundwater quality is protected. Improperly constructed or maintained wells can allow bacteria, pesticides, fertilizers, oil products, or other pollutants to contaminate groundwater.

Ec98-790 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 14: Crop Nutrient Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why should I be concerned? Most Nebraska farmers apply some source of plant nutrients to help improve their crop production each year. Nutrients come from applied chemical fertilizers, manure or sewage sludge, and soil organic matter or legumes. When nutrients move off site or leach out of the root zone, they can pose a threat to the environment and the water we drink.

Ec98-789 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 14: Improving Crop Nutrient Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Economics, energy and the environment are three primary reasons to be concerned about nutrient management, especially nitrogen (N) management. Nitrogen ranks high on a list of sixteen nutrients needed for the health of most plants, but unfortunately it also ranks high as a contaminant of Nebraska’s surface and groundwater. Most other nutrients occur naturally in the soil. Besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the nutrients most often added to Nebraska soils.

Ec98-795 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 17: Improving Stormwater Management At Residential Sites, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Stormwater is water from irrigation, rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and across sloped lawns. As it flows, this runoff can collect and transport soil, pet waste, livestock manure, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, leaves, litter and other potential pollutants. A heavy rainstorm isn’t needed to send pollutants rushing toward streams, wetlands and lakes. A garden hose alone can supply enough water.

G98-1363 Container Gardening (Revised September 2004), Anne Streich, Kim Todd, Kelly Feehan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Container gardening has many advantages. People with physical limitations may appreciate the ability to garden without bending over or kneeling. Container gardens can also bring the garden closer to one's home or outdoor living area, such as along a sidewalk that is accessible from a wheelchair. Container gardens can place culinary herbs close to the kitchen to be snipped and used in cooking. Container gardens on patios or decks give people with limited outdoor space, such as an apartment and townhome dwellers, the opportunity to enjoy plants.

Growing flowers, vegetables, and other plants in containers provides many gardening opportunities to …

G98-1354 Irrigating Corn, Brian Benham

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses corn irrigation strategies options and objectives.

There are over 16 million acres in harvested row crop production in Nebraska. About 8 million of these acres are irrigated. Corn occupies approximately 70 percent of the irrigated acreage, or 5.6 million acres. Given this, improving irrigation management on corn production can have significant positive impacts on the quantity and quality of Nebraska's most precious resource: water.

Nfs-1 Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A reference guide for loggers, landowners and managers.

Nebraska's Forest Resource

Forests cover 947,000 acres in Nebraska. Other land with scattered tree cover, including narrow wooded strips along streams, windbreaks, and wooded pasture lands, occupy an additional 1,252,000 acres. Managing Nebraska's forest lands can produce significant benefits without negative impacts; however, careless activities in woodlands can damage water resources, soils, wildlife habitat, aesthetic values, and even the ability to produce future benefits.

G98-1372 Management Recommendations For Blocked-End Furrow Irrigation, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Brian L. Benham

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper blocked-end furrow irrigation management practices can minimize water application, irrigation costs and the leaching of agri-chemicals below the root zone.

The goal of every irrigator should be to apply the right amount of water uniformly to meet crop needs. To do this, irrigators need to know how much water is applied and where it goes. In other words, they need to know how uniformly the irrigation water infiltrates into the soil profile. Achieving a uniform water application is not easy when using furrow irrigation. However, with a better understanding of how irrigation system management affects water distribution and a …

G97-1333 Drinking Water: Lead, Sharon Skipton, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. This NebGuide discusses practices to address lead in a domestic water supply. Lead in Drinking Water Small quantities of lead can be a serious health concern, especially for children. Sources of lead in the environment include lead-based paint; lead contaminated soil, air and dust; lead contaminated food; imported food in lead-soldered cans; non-FDA regulated ceramics with lead glazes; leaded crystal and lead contaminated drinking water.