Chemigation

The practice of injecting agricultural chemicals into water flowing through an irrigation distribution system for application to land, crops, or both.

Why Chemigate?

• The rate of application can be regulated

• Chemicals may be applied at the exact time needed by plants to produce maximum yields.

• Operator exposure to chemicals is reduced and the chance of spills is minimized

• Possibility for nitrate contamination of groundwater is reduced

• Nitrate-leaching losses are diminished

How to become a Chemigator

Chemigating has its risks such as the potential for accidental groundwater contamination through backflow into the irrigation well. Before an irrigator can begin chemigating,

• Appropriate chemigation equipment and system must be set up, operated, and maintained

• An irrigator must attend a chemigation training course and pass the written exam to be certified

  • Certification is good for 4 years and then the irrigator is required to take a renewal course

• A permit must be obtained from the local Natural Resources District on an annual basis

  • Permit applications are available online and at the ULNRD office in Thedford

  • Permit fees are due annually by June 1st to the Upper Loup NRD

    • $60 new permit

    • $30 renewal permit

Chemigation Inspections

Chemigation inspections are required every 3 years and offered free of charge. If you are need of this service please contact our office to consult with our technician, Brent McIntosh.