University of Nebraska researchers study nitrogen impact on groundwater

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have secured two significant grants to investigate why nitrate levels in some Nebraska wells continue to rise despite improved nitrogen management practices. The research aims to explore an understudied reservoir of organic nitrogen located in the deep vadose zone, the area between the land surface and the water table.

A three-year, $496,722 grant from the National Science Foundation will support the investigation of these underground nitrogen stores. Additionally, a five-year award exceeding $357,000 from the Nebraska Corn Board will assist in evaluating proactive methods to reduce nitrate risks before they reach groundwater supplies.

Clean groundwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, and rural communities in Nebraska, where approximately 80% of the population relies on it. The study seeks to understand how historical nitrogen stores move through the vadose zone and transform into mobile nitrate, which can contaminate vital water resources.