The drought monitor report as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, showed no real change again for our area this week. This area missed out on the precipitation that fell, especially east of our area. The six to ten-day outlook (Nov. 7 to 11) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a chance of normal to leaning to slightly above normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Nov. 9 to 15) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of above normal for precipitation. The temperatures aren’t bad for wheat development but the area needs rain for proper root and tiller development before winter.
Last week you may have seen the news release regarding a groundwater study conducting across this general area on private wells. Not unsurprisingly, high nitrate levels were found overall along with high levels of calcium. This isn’t the first survey of wells and hopefully not the last. Mostly in our area groundwater issues have focused on a declining aquifer and adequate water for places like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Instead today, let’s focus on the quality of the groundwater.
• Nitrates are a concern as they can interfere with the bloods ability to oxygenate the body properly. The technical term is methemoglobinemia and high nitrate levels in water can lead to this condition in the very young or those with cardiopulmonary problems. The common name is “Blue Baby Syndrome” as a baby’s lips turn blue from a lack of oxygen.
• Cities, such as St. John, have dealt with this with very expensive filtration systems to remove the nitrates. The issue has been identified in many municipal water systems across Kansas and the Midwest. Regulations require regular monitor of the overall water quality of these water supplies. It’s a concern for private wells but these are not normally tested. The study examined these and again it’s no surprise.
• Nitrates can enter groundwater from several sources. Here it will be from nitrogen fertilizers that are applied for grain crops, especially corn. Over time, nitrates which are not held in the soil can leach below the root zone and eventually into the groundwater. This problem is more likely where the water table is fairly shallow, think south of the Arkansas River, and on light textured (think sandy soils) and soils low in organic matter. Again, south of the river on the sandy soils is an example. Irrigation can help exacerbate the problem. Also, heavy rainfall helps move the nitrates down below the root zone. The problem is down in the ground towards and in the water table it’s cold with little if any biological activity so it is stable.
• Feed yards with large concentrations of animal waste and storage lagoons combined with shallow groundwater can also contribute.
• This problem didn’t occur quickly as it takes time for the downward migration of nitrates to the water table.
Next week, what can be done to alleviate the problem.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, ormartinv@bartonccc.edu.
