New Resource Helps Farmers and Landowners Test Nitrate Levels

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. AMES, Iowa — To help farmers and landowners better understand and monitor nitrate levels in surface and tile drainage water, the Iowa State University Iowa Nutrient Research Center has released a new publication, Guide to Water Quality Testing for Nitrate. The publication is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store. This practical resource outlines the importance of nitrate monitoring and provides basic test strip color chart instructions for testing water using nitrate test strips or test kits. The guide also explains how to interpret results, including the difference between nitrate and nitrate-nitrogen, and highlights average nitrate concentrations commonly observed in Iowa. "Nitrate levels in Iowa's water can be influenced by a number of different factors, such as fertilizer and manure application in a watershed, conservation practices on the landscape and precipitation events," said Kay Stefanik, assistant director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and co-author of the publication. "Testing for nitrate in water in agricultural areas can help farmers and landowners better understand how much, and potentially where, nitrate is lost from their farm operations. This knowledge can be used to make more informed decisions when choosing which conservation practices to adopt." The publication also includes recommendations on when and how often to sample, tips for collecting accurate water samples and guidance on sending samples to a laboratory, such as the State Hygienic Laboratory, for precise analysis. An additional publication, Iowa Water Monitoring Data Resources, supplements the guide by providing a list of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that can offer data on water quality and stream-flow conditions. The new resources are now available through ISU Extension and Outreach and aim to support informed decision-making, promote environmental stewardship and safeguard Iowa's water resources. For more information, review the Guide to Water Quality Testing for Nitrate publication or contact Stefanik at kcstefan@iastate.edu. Don't miss a beat! Subscribe for free and receive the stories, insights, and events that keep your community thriving.