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- Title
Demonstrationsvorhaben „Indikatoren zur Früherkennung von Nitratfrachten im Ackerbau“: September 2021 .
- Authors
Mielenz, Henrike; Dieser, Mona; Stock, Oliver; Zieseniß, Steffen; Kücke, Martin; Greef, Jörg-Michael; Stever-Schoo, Burkhard
- Abstract
In Germany, nitrate pollution in groundwater and the effectiveness of corresponding water protection measures are monitored using a representative groundwater monitoring network. The aim of the demonstration project was to develop a system of early indicators which can record nitrate loads on the agricultural land or farm in order to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to reduce nitrate leaching. First, existing results and experiences on the suitability of possible early indicators for monitoring nitrate loads were compiled in a study. In parallel, a set of leading indicators from groundwater and drinking water protection was tested in five test areas on 48 farms with a total of 576 test plots. The leading indicators tested were nitrogen farm gate and field balances, crop balances, mineral nitrogen content in the root zone (0-90 cm depth) measured in autumn (Nmin values), nitrate concentrations measured in deep soil profiles (120-300 cm depth) and concentration measurements in drainage water. The results show that the indicator system developed is well suited to assess the effectiveness of groundwater-conserving management measures at the individual farm level. In some cases, there were only weak quantitative correlations between the individual indicators. The sole consideration of individual indicators was therefore not sufficiently meaningful for the description of the area-specific interrelationships and the evaluation of the effect of individual measures or packages of measures. Instead, the simultaneous consideration of the entire indicator system is necessary. With regard to the effect of the amended Fertiliser Ordinance of 2017, initial effects could already be observed on individual farms. For example, autumn fertilisation has already significantly reduced within the survey period. The effect of the measures was immediately apparent in changed Nmin values and nitrogen field balances. The demonstration project was able to lay the foundations for a harmonised nitrate monitoring programme, which indicates changes in nitrate loads at an early stage. The application and verification of the indicator system in additional test areas with further farm structures and site conditions is recommended.
- Subjects
GERMANY; WELLHEAD protection; GROUNDWATER pollution; FARMS; ECONOMIC indicators; GROUNDWATER monitoring; AUTUMN
- Publication
Berichte aus dem Julius Kühn-Institut, 2021, Issue 217, p1
- ISSN
1866-590X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5073/20220113-154304