Healthy Crops, Safe Water

Nitrate contamination of drinking water has been in the news recently. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is working to ensure that all Californians have access to safe drinking water and to ensure that the state’s farmers can grow enough food to help meet the world’s increasing demand. Research has shown that nitrogen (N) fertilizer used in agricultural production can over many years move from a plant’s root zone into groundwater.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and Agricultural Experiment Station researchers are working with growers with small and large acreage on fertilizer management, irrigation efficiency and other farming practices to provide options for protecting groundwater, which serves as a primary drinking water source for many rural communities.

The website contains specific examples of ANR research and extension projects under way, publications documenting research progress and a list of experts in nitrogen management, irrigation, nutrient management, groundwater management, farming practices and dairy production. Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.