DIFFERENT METHODS FOR FARMER’S IMPLICATION IN THE NITRATE MANAGEMENT AT RIVER BASIN SCALE

References: 13th SGEM GeoConference on Water Resources. Forest, Marine And Ocean Ecosystems, www.sgem.org, SGEM2013 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7105-02-5 / ISSN 1314-2704, June 16-22, 2013, 101 - 108 pp

ABSTRACT

This paper was accomplished in the framework of LIFE09 ENV/RO/000612 - CLEANWATER project, co-financed by the European Community Commission, having as main objective the accomplishment at Barlad basin level, of a decision support instrument using mathematical modelling as base line for determining the balance of nutrients in surface and groundwater resources, taking into account the trends and scenarios related to human activities. Key points of the project represent the involvement of farmers by using different ways for information, consultation and make them sensitive to the issues related to the nitrates pollution within the basin.
Situated in the south-est part of the Romania country, Barlad River basin (area of 7220 km2, mean altitude 211 m) has more than 37% of the total surface designated asvulnerable zone to nitrate pollution, having as consequence the decrease of potable water source.
In order to encourage the farmers for participate in the nitrates management a dedicated web page support has been created , including information about the nitrates pollution, GIS maps about the water quality and the pollution sources, the Action Program and the Code of Good practice. In parallel we have started the process of consultation by makeorganize “in field” investigation related to the web page construction. The questionnaires and the local visits were used for analysis the degree of knowledge of national and European legislation, of the effect of pollution and the measures implemented by water authorities. The results have shown that the farmers have little information about the nitrate vulnerable zones around their farms and the measures applied for diminish the nitrates pollution.
Important issues in our study area are the spread of manure on the arable land and the application of a good manure management within the farms. Acting as a source of information, one local meeting was organised with the participation of specialist advisers for implementation of the Code of good practices and the Action Program.
By distribution of promotional materials (folders, leaflets), short notices in the local journal and one organized visit to a successfully representative farm, the information was easily spread and the communication with the farmers was more convince.

Keywords: nitrates management, nitrate pollution, good manure management, nitrates directive, involvement of farmers.