Publications

Dissolved gases in well water

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Dissolved gases in well water are a common occurrence in Alberta. The major gases found in wells are methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Information on hydrogen sulfide, a gas... More ≫

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Dissolved gases in well water are a common occurrence in Alberta. The major gases found in wells are methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Information on hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a rotten egg odour, is discussed in Agrifacts 716 (D14) Removing Hydrogen Sulphide from Water, so hydrogen sulfide will not be discussed in this publication. Common problems with methane and carbon dioxide are “spurting” taps and priming problems (gas locking) in pumps. The gas problem varies in severity – from occasional “spurting” from the hot water taps to a constant flow of gas from the well casing.

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Managing nitrogen to protect water quality

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Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of... More ≫

Description

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop growth. Insufficient nitrogen for growing plants can limit crop production. Soil organic matter, chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are sources of nitrogen for crop production. Excess nitrogen not used by growing crops coverts to nitrate (NO3-), which can be very mobile in soils. Nitrate can leach through the root zone and contaminate shallow groundwater. Areas with coarse or sandy soils are at greater risk for nitrate leaching to groundwater. Nitrogen can also be carried in runoff and can contaminate surface waters. Nitrogen must be managed properly to increase crop yields and protect water quality. Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen on the farm; however, nitrogen from manure and chemical fertilizers can pollute both surface and groundwater.

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