Upper Elkhorn NRD Phase II Report deadline approaching

The deadline for the 2024 Phase II Annual Reports is Dec. 31. If you farm in a Phase II or Phase III area, you are required to submit a Phase II report for every field larger than 40 acres. Where more than 50 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen fertilizer, commercial or organic, is applied (for example: corn) a full report is required. A mandatory two-foot deep soil sampling analysis is required for the Phase II report. The soil sample used on the 2024 annual report should have been taken in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.  If less than 50 pounds per acre is applied, a report must be submitted stating the crop planted. If a report is not completed for a field, it is considered noncompliant. Landowners with noncompliant fields will not be able to participate in any UENRD programs, which include the new 2025 Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program, groundwater transfers, groundwater expansion, cost-share programs or be eligible for a new or replacement well permit.

For more information on Phase II Annual Reports or Nitrogen Certification, visit the UENRD website at https://www.uenrd.org/ or contact the UENRD office at 402-336-3867. Phase II reports can be filled out online or filled out, printed and returned to the UENRD office. Both versions of the Phase II form are available on the UENRD website. In addition to the continuation of the Phase I and II requirements, Phase III includes a random soil sampling conducted by the UENRD. Those selected for soil sampling for Fall 2024 have already been selected and noti