Pope Soil & Water

Providing Quality Conservation Resources since 1949

Providing Quality Conservation Resources Since 1949

FREE WATER TESTING CLINIC AT THE FAIR

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (Pope SWCD) will be hosting a free water testing clinic Friday, August 6th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Pope County Fair. Bring your water sample to the Pope SWCD booth in the Industrial Building at the fairgrounds for a free nitrate analysis. To receive best results, collect a minimum of one-half cup of room temperature water in a clean container within two hours of testing.

Nitrogen exists in the environment in both organic and inorganic forms. When in its inorganic form, ammonium (NH4) or nitrate (NO3), it is an essential element to plants. However, when considering water quality, nitrogen becomes a concern when in its nitrate form. Excessive nitrate concentrations in groundwater can be hazardous to human and environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 10 mg/L as the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that private wells receive nitrate testing at least once every two to three years. If nitrates have been previously detected or if an infant under six months will be consuming the water, testing should be conducted more frequently.

Nitrates most commonly enter groundwater through leaching or draining. Because nitrate does not attach to soil particles, it is easily moved by water. Therefore, as water filters through the soil, so do present nitrates. Some primary factors that have an effect on nitrogen leaching include: nitrogen rate, application timing, nitrogen sources, irrigation practices, age of site, and soil texture. The contamination can result from both anthropogenic (human caused) and natural sources. Although both can lead to hazardous conditions, it is often anthropogenic sources that force nitrate concentrations into dangerous levels. These sources include but are not limited to: fertilizer application, manure storage, and sewage disposal. There are available treatments used to rehabilitate contaminated water. However, prevention of nitrogen loss is the favored method in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater.

Pope SWCD Board Meeting August 17, 2021

The Pope SWCD Board of Supervisors will meet at their monthly meeting time on August 17, 2021 at 7 a.m. at Keith Nygaard’s shop at 27820 180th Street, Starbuck, MN 56381. The pandemic declaration has now expired in Minnesota however USDA is still not allowing public into the building per their Federal policy. The Pope SWCD is meeting at this site to be able to allow the public to attend the meeting. There will not be a virtual option per the Minnesota Open Meeting Law requirements now that the Emergency Declaration has expired.

Plantskydd For Purchase

Plantskydd is a non-toxic, chemical free organic repellent used to deter deer, elk, moose, rabbits, voles, squirrels and chipmunks from browsing on vegetation.  It is not harmful to pollinators, animals or the environment.  It is safe for use in protecting vegetables, fruits, legumes and other food crops as well as trees, bushes and flowers.  Its active ingredient (porcine or bovine dried blood) is also an organic fertilizer.  Plantskydd works by releasing an order that browsing animals associate with predator activity.  These browsing animals will avoid the plants before they take a bite.

Plantskydd should be applied in above freezing temperatures before browse begins in spring and the liquid formulation can last up to 4 months during the growing season.  It should be reapplied to new growth every 2-4 weeks.  It is rain resistant if allowed to dry first for 24 hours.  Plantskydd should not be applied directly to the edible parts of fruits and vegetables.  It can be sprayed on fruit tree foliage but avoid treatment while buds are forming.  Plantskydd can last up to 6 months on winter dormant plants.

If interested in this product, the Pope SWCD has the liquid, soluble-powder concentrate and granular formulas available for purchase.