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Groundwater and Nitrogen Management in Willamette Valley Mint Production

John Selker and, David Rupp (April, 2004)

Summary

Field measurements of mint grown in the Willamette Valley show that significant amounts of nitrogen (N) are lost to groundwater, resulting in an economic loss to the growers and contributing to degradation of water quality in the underlying aquifers. We suggest two ways to counter this situation: • Reduce nutrient application by using stem testing • Reduce nitrogen percolation by improving irrigation management