- (1) A landowner within the LUBGWMA shall manage irrigated agricultural land to minimize the downward movement of nitrate in the soil by managing irrigation water so that the amount of water applied from the combination of precipitation and irrigation does not exceed the field capacity of the soil beyond the crop root depth.
(2) As consistent with applicable water rights of record, a landowner irrigating agricultural land within the LUBGWMA shall base the rate and volume of water needed for each irrigation event on at least the following information as practicable:
(a) Field capacity of the soil for the crop rooting depth;
(b) Management allowed soil water depletion;
(c) Current soil moisture status of the soil for the crop rooting depth;
(d) Distribution uniformity of the irrigation event;
(e) Water table contribution if applicable;
(f) Computerized irrigation scheduling recommendation.
(3) A landowner irrigating agricultural land within the LUBGWMA shall plan the rate and volume of irrigation water to prevent the transport of nitrates to groundwater by:
(a) Controlling the rate and volume of water application to limit the transport of nitrate through the soil profile to groundwater; and
(b) Matching irrigation application quantities and rates to the crop, soil type, soil moisture content, and agronomic demands of each crop type such that irrigation does not exceed the soil’s infiltration rate or field capacity below the crop root zone.
Statutory/Other Authority
ORS 561.191 & ORS 568.900-933
Statutes/Other Implemented
ORS 568.900-933 & 468B.025(1)
History
DOA 94-2026, adopt filed 03/13/2026, effective 03/13/2026