Certification Options
One of the primary requirements of the Lower Platte North NRD’s Groundwater Management Area is that all operators/producers of irrigation, municipal, and industrial well systems, as well as operators who use any type of fertilizer (either commercial or organic) in production agriculture, are required to obtain NRD certification by attending NRD education classes or by passing an online or take home test designed by the LPNNRD. This also applies to those involved in the decision-making process of how much nitrogen to apply. If you are a landowner and don’t take part in the application or prescription of nitrogen on your land, your tenant or hired help must instead be certified.
Certification is valid for four years, after which recertification is required. Uncertified producers are not eligible for any of the NRD’s cost-share programs or for irrigated acre certification.
The District offers agricultural producers the opportunity to attend certification classes and encourages all new producers to attend a class. If you have attended in the past, an online test or take home test can be alternative for certification. For additional options regarding certification, please call the NRD at 402-443-4675.
2025 Nitrogen Certification and Water Management Classes
Certification classes are held at various locations throughout the District each year. The certification classes are primarily geared for area producers and cover several topics, including Nitrogen management and application, water quality, water conservation and quantity, University of Nebraska research and recommended practices and any recent legislation related to water use. The classes are conducted by LPNNRD staff in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension personnel.
The classes are free and no pre-registration is required. Producers may attend whichever session works best for their schedule. The class lasts approximately two hours.
For more information call (402) 443-4675.
| Date & Time: | Location |
| Tuesday, January 21 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Highway 92 Building 3190 N Road David City |
| Wednesday, January 22 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Ag Park 822 15th Street Columbus |
| Thursday, February 6 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center 1071 County Road G Ithaca |
| Thursday, February 13 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Lindsay Community Center 121 Pine Street Lindsay |
| Tuesday, February 18 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Dodge County Nebraska Extension Office 1206 W 23rd Street Fremont |
| Tuesday, March 18 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center 1071 County Road Road G Ithaca |
Study Material and
Best Management Practices
The links below provide additional information for producers.
Irrigation and Nitrogen Management User Education
Dr. Dan Snow Vadose Sampling Results 2022
Water Quality and Health in Nebraska – UNMC
Online Test
If you are unable to attend one of the training classes to obtain or renew your nitrogen certification from the LPNNRD, you can complete an online test instead.
To request access to the online certification test, fill out the information below. When you have submitted your information, a link and password for the test will be emailed to you.
There is no charge for the online test.
Take Home Test
The District offers two different take home tests. One test is geared for agricultural producers, which covers the same general information as the classes, while the second take home test focuses on operators of municipal and industrial water systems.
To request a take home test call (402) 443-4675. There is a $10.00 fee for the take home test.