Now is the time to renew your chemigation permits

HARTINGTON — Chemigation is an efficient method for applying fertilizer and pesticide to growing crops.

If you plan to use irrigation to apply fertilizer and/or pesticide, the Nebraska Chemigation Act requires you to have a Chemigation Permit. Irrigation systems that had permits in 2023 are eligible to renew the permit at a cost of $20 each through June 1, 2024. Permits obtained after June 1 will be considered new permits, and the fee is $50.00 each. Chemigation equipment for all new permits must be inspected, prior to chemigating, to ensure required safety equipment is present and functional. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) conducts routine inspections of chemigation equipment for renewal permits every three years.

Chemigation is an efficient method to apply nitrogen fertilizer and/or pesticide while protecting groundwater from potential contamination. Traditional application methods apply all of the nitrogen fertilizer the crop is estimated to need with one or two applications early in the growing season. If the nitrogen is not taken up by the crop it can leach with rain or irrigation water to groundwater. Chemigation provides the opportunity to apply nitrogen to the crop as it is needed during the growing season, decreasing the potential of groundwater contamination by nitrogen fertilizer and other chemicals.

Chemigation Permits are available at the LCNRD office or online at https://lcnrd.nebraska.gov/waterresources/ chemigation. Chemigation Permit payments can be made online through the payment portal or at the office at 608 N. Robinson Ave, Hartington, NE.