Newsletter 2026, Volume 1
Am I an Outlier?
Outlier status in KRWQC’s nitrogen evaluation means your parcel’s nitrogen applied per unit of nitrogen removed by the crop falls outside the typical efficiency range for that crop — specifically above the upper acceptable range, based on multi-year data from growers within the KRWQC.
Outlier status does not automatically mean you are out of compliance. It is an indicator that nitrogen efficiency may be improved and that additional planning, education, or certification may be required, particularly in high vulnerability areas.
The goal is more than just regulatory compliance. It is about improved nitrogen use and farming efficiency to protect groundwater while maintaining crop productivity and managing expenses.
Why Nitrogen Efficiency Matters
Water is how nitrate moves through the soil profile. When excess water moves past the root zone, nitrate can move with it. Improving nitrogen efficiency protects groundwater and can also:
- Increase Overall Crop Productivity
- Reduce Fertilizer Costs
- Improve Nutrient Timing With Plant Demand
- Demonstrate Responsible Stewardship
Practical Steps to Improve Your Nitrogen Efficiency
Growers across the Coalition have successfully improved nitrogen efficiency by implementing the following practices:
- Use in-season tissue or petiole testing – Adjust applications based on crop uptake during the season.
- Consider fertigation – Applying fertilizer through irrigation systems improves delivery efficiency and reduces losses.
- Conduct pre-season soil testing – Know your baseline nitrogen levels before you apply fertilizer.
- Test your irrigation water for nitrogen – Nitrogen is often already present in irrigation water. Testing allows you to credit that nitrogen toward your crop needs.
- Split fertilizer applications – Time nitrogen applications to match plant growth stages rather than applying large amounts early in the season.