Water Resources Monitoring for the Implementation of Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) in Turkey

Statistical analysis was performed on 7,167 groundwater samples and 11,229 surface water samples originating from Turkey's nitrate monitoring network.Results showed significant spatial and temporal variation of nitrates among 81 provinces of the country.In general, surface and groundwater monitoring data have shown that nitrates concentration is relatively low compared to the corresponding values inseveral EU Member States. For the implementation of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), Nitrates Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and Potential NVZs have been designated, the latter indicating an increased risk of nitrate pollution. Digital thematic maps were compiled and made available through a dedicated web platform, illustrating the spatial distribution of nitrates concentrations at the 25 river basins of Turkey. Statistical analysisof hydrochemical data from the groundwater monitoring stations showed strong increasing trends of nitrates in ten river basins. Results from the analysis of the respective surface water data have shown a stable situation in thirteen river basins of Turkey

A Practical Method for Mapping of Pesticide Loss Risk in Cultivated Soils of Greece

In an attempt to map the soil factors controlling pesticide losses, surface soil samples were collected from 196 sites in the cultivated area of Trifyllia, SW Peloponnese, Greece. Up to now, the pesticide losses risk in the studied area is unknown. For this aim, the following key characteristics that affect movement or binding have been taken into consideration: soil texture, slope and soil organic matter content. A GIS map was compiled from discrete soil variables that affect pesticide losses (leaching and/or runoff). According to soil texture, 3 moderate leaching risk classes, 2 high and 1 low were defined, and the respective classes based on Soil Organic Matter (SOM) content were 3 low risk classes, 2 moderate and 1 class of high risk. The study area consists of two soil slope classes 0-2% and 2-6% which were used to calculate the leaching potential of pesticides. The compiled maps can be used by local authorities in order to minimize the potential negative environmental impacts of pesticide usage at farm level, and to suggest various mitigation strategies. Appropriate farming practices must be applied to decrease leaching or losses by runoff in order to mitigate the pollution of shallow aquifers and surface waters in SW Peloponnese. Rational irrigation management is of high importance as it increases the pesticide effectiveness and reduces off site movement. Moreover, runoff of pesticides can be reduced by using minimum tillage techniques to mitigate soil erosion. Finally, farming systems and practices that increase soil organic matter content (e.g. no tillage) can reduce substantially the risk of water pollution by pesticides