Monthly Archives: June 2020

Nitrogen Fertilizer Restrictions Begin September 1, 2020

Please call the office if you have any questions or want to apply!

Applications are being accepted through June 30th for the new Soil Health and Habitat Program created by Pheasants Forever in partnership with Purina. If accepted, the program offers farmers an opportunity to establish perennial wildlife habitat cover or a cover crop with a one-time payment of $250/acre plus assistance with seed and establishment costs as part of a 5-year contract. If you or a farmer you know have at least one year of precision yield data, you may be eligible to apply. Data will be analyzed for profitability and offers farmers a new way to view where grassland or a cover crop would be beneficial.

The following is information from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture…  

This is a reminder that the fall nitrogen fertilizer restrictions begin September 1, 2020 as part of the Groundwater Protection Rule.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has included resources to help explain where the restrictions apply and the exceptions to the rule.

Where does the restriction apply?
The application of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall and on frozen soil will be restricted in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. This will also apply to Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) with elevated nitrate levels. Vulnerable groundwater areas include coarse textured soils, karst geology, and shallow bedrock. Approximately 12 to 13 percent of Minnesota’s cropland is vulnerable to groundwater contamination.

View a map showing the vulnerable groundwater areas as well as a list of exceptions to the restrictions.

Prerecorded Presentation or Live Webinar
MDA has prepared a presentation to explain the purpose of the Groundwater Protection Rule, where the nitrogen fertilizer restrictions apply, and the exceptions to the rule.

View the prerecorded presentation or join us for a live webinar through WebEx on August 12, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:00. The video and webinar details are available online.