Nitrate is Wisconsin’s most widespread groundwater contaminant, according to Wisconsin’s Groundwater Coordinating Council. Nitrate contamination of groundwater is increasing in extent and severity in the state.
Nearly 90% of nitrate in groundwater is due to agricultural activities, including manure spreading and fertilizer application. Other common sources of nitrate include septic systems and sewage treatment practices.
Nitrate dissolves easily in water and does not adsorb onto the soil. It can easily be carried into the groundwater by rainwater and melting snow as they make its way through the soil and bedrock into the underlying aquifer.
Nitrate impacts Wisconsin’s largest source of drinking water and is an economic loss to farmers. Initiatives completed by university researchers, government and the agriculture industry can help us understand the multiple tools – approaches and agricultural best practices – to reduce nitrogen loss from agriculture.
More information about nitrate in drinking water is available on the DNR website here.
Final Nitrate Webinar Sept. 16
Noon – 1 p.m. Sept. 16
Preliminary Assessment of Economic Impacts on Wisconsin Farms of Reducing Nitrogen Losses
Speakers:
Paul Mitchell, Professor of Agriculture and Applied Economics, UW-Madison
Ken Genskow, Professor of Environmental Planning and Policy, UW-Madison
Deana Knuteson, Nutrient and Pest Management Program, UW-Madison Horticulture
Jeremy Beach, Associate Director, Renk Agribusiness Institute
Understanding the Economics of Nitrogen Management and Next Steps
Speaker:
Chris Clayton, DNR Agricultural Runoff Section Chief
