More Resources

• The American Society of Agronomy - California Chapter
• Association of American Feed Control Officials
• Association of American Plant Food Control Officials
• CA Dept. of Health Services
• CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation
• California Certified Crop Advisor Program
• California Fertilizer Association
• California Grain and Feed Association
• National Grain and Feed Association
• National Egg Regulatory Officials
• U. S. Department of Agriculture
• U. S. Food and Drug Administration
• Western Plant Health Association

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Roots in the Nitrate Working Group (NWG)

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) was formed at the recommendation of a Nitrate Working Group (NWG) that was appointed by the CDFA secretary in 1988 to study the nitrate problem relating to agriculture in California.

NWG engaged scientists from the University of California, state agencies and industry to participate in the study. Meanwhile, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in a report to the Legislature, reviewed the statewide problem of nitrate in drinking water and evaluated existing programs.

The NWG’s 1989 report, "Nitrate and Agriculture in California," analyzed the problem on a statewide basis. Using a computerized database that included 12 years of well testing results as well as groundwater information compiled by the SWRCB, the scientists reviewed and confirmed locations in the state where groundwater contains elevated levels of nitrate.

Their report also:

• examined the problem of animal production in relation to nitrate pollution -- dairies, beef feedlots and poultry ranches;
• analyzed the mechanisms of nitrate movement through the soil. Since nitrate moves with water, the best way to slow the process is to reduce the amount of water that drains out of the crop root zone, especially percolation to groundwater; and
• reviewed the potential of fertilizer best management practices, the sources of nitrogen and the types of fertilizers, as well as application rates and methods.

The Nitrate Working Group report concluded with five recommendations:

1. Identify nitrate-sensitive areas throughout California.


2. Prioritize those areas where action is most needed.


3. Organize voluntary nitrate management programs in high-priority areas in cooperation with local governments and agriculture.


4. Develop nitrate-reducing farming practices tailored to the high-priority areas and that fit into the management programs, in cooperation with growers and other government agencies.


5. Organize and support research and demonstration projects.

In January 1990, the Nitrate Management Program (NMP) was established by the Director of the CDFA and the above recommendations became the charges of the NMP.