Consideration of nitrate content in irrigation water, proper well abandonment and maintenance, and wellhead protection are considered priority practices for minimizing nitrate leaching to groundwater under the ILRP.
NEW: Documentos en español/Documents available in Spanish.
Irrigation Water Nitrogen Calculator
Nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium N) in irrigation water is as readily available to crops as N in chemical fertilizers. So, when growers account for N in irrigation water, they can reduce rates of fertilizer N application. This calculator converts nitrate and ammonium found in irrigation water, as measured by a laboratory or other method, into pounds of N applied per acre. A fact sheet is available here. En español: Calculadora de nitrógeno para agua de riego.
Well Destruction/Abandonment Practices
Improperly abandoned or maintained wells can transmit contaminants from the surface into groundwater and can also be a safety hazard. This handout provides information about the destruction of abandoned wells and maintenance of inactive wells. A fact sheet is available here. En español: Pozos abandonados y pozoz inactivos.
Well Head Protection Practices
Wellhead protection practices help prevent the movement of contaminants into a well. Unprotected wellheads can transmit contaminants from the surface into groundwater. This handout provides information about practices for wellhead protection and well maintenance. A fact sheet is available here. En español: Protección de los cabezales de pozo.