High nitrate values in Kranenburg fountain: trees as a solution for farmers

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Kranenburg is again the focus of worrying measurements that indicate high nitrate values in numerous private fountains. The review of the water samples, carried out by the VSR water protection association, brought alarming results to light: Every fourth examined fountain exceeds the permissible nitrate content of 50 milligrams per liter. On July 22nd, a total of 44 households in Kranenburg made water samples for analysis.

The results are depressing, especially in the garden fountain of the surrounding communities. The highest values were found in Kalkar with 89 mg/l, Nütterden with 85 mg/l, at 69 mg/l and Niel with 68 mg/l. In Kranenburg itself, too, the nitrate content is 61 mg/l above the limit. This raises questions about the long -term quality of the groundwater and underlines the urgency of measures to secure water supply in the region.

need for action and suggestions for improvement

Harald Gülzow from VSR water protection sees an urgent need for action. It states that the Nitratist Directive determines that an exceeding of the limit value in the groundwater must not be tolerated. "At the last moment, the violation procedure with high penalty payments due to the non -compliance with the Directive last year could be averted. The nitrate pollution must decrease significantly by the next review," said Gülzow. It is obvious that a sustainable solution must be found to ensure the quality of the drinking water.

A possible solution could be found in the combination of forest and agriculture, known as an agricultural system. In the Kleve region, arable land make up around 66 percent of the agricultural areas, with many fields without trees. During the intensification of agriculture, numerous trees disappeared, which resulted in negative ecological consequences. Gülzow suggests integrating these trees into the landscape because they are able to better use the nitrate through their deep roots.

"Trees in the fields help to transport the nitrate back to the surface and thus reduce the nitrate pollution in the fountain water in the future," explains Gülzow. This method could not only reduce nitrate values, but also improve biodiversity and soil quality.

The Agricultural System System stipulates that tree strips are on the field of fast -growing species such as poplars, pastures or alder. These trees that are harvested every four to six years can be used as wood chips for energy generation. There is enough space for agricultural machines between the rows of trees, so that the acreage for cereals, sugar beet, corn and rapeseed remains productive.

Overview of the situation and importance of measures

The alarming nitrate values in Kranenburg are a clear sign of the urgency of changes in the region's agricultural practices. The water protection and the quality of the drinking water are of great importance not only for the health of the population, but also for the environment. If no sustainable solution is found, this could have long -term negative effects on the water supply in the region.

The implementation of agroforstwirtschaft practices could prove to be the key to improving water quality. Synergy between agriculture and forestry offers an opportunity to tackle the nitrate problem, while at the same time the agricultural productivity is maintained. Solutions like this are essential in order to be able to successfully meet the challenges of the future.

The protection of the groundwater is essential!

Development towards more sustainability in agriculture could not only lower the nitrate levels, but also have positive effects on the entire ecosystem. The future of water in Kranenburg lies in the hands of farmers and decision -makers. It is time to take responsibility and take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable and healthier environment.

economic effects of nitrate pollution

The high nitrate values in groundwater and private fountains not only affect the environment, but also on the local economy. Tourism in the region can suffer if the water quality does not meet the requirements. Many people prefer to go on vacation in areas where they can rely on clean, safe drinking water. In addition, high nitrate pollution can negatively affect agricultural production. If food production is restricted by the addition of chemical nutrients, agriculture may have to switch to more expensive, environmentally friendly methods, which results in higher prices for end users.

Another economic goal should be the sustainable management of agricultural areas in order to push back the nitrate pollution. Farmers who choose environmentally friendly methods can be supported by funding programs and subsidies in order to promote the necessary structural change. This not only contributes to improving water quality, but can also help local farmers to market their products as particularly sustainable.

The legal framework

The Nitrat Directive of the European Union is a central part in the fight against the nitrate pollution of groundwater. This guideline aims to improve water quality and improve access to safe drinking water. The Member States are obliged to take measures to contain the nitrate pollution. In Germany, it is supported by the Water Household Act and various state laws. Compliance with these guidelines is checked by regular checks and, if necessary, sanctions, as observed in the case of Kranenburg, where an impending infringing infringing procedure was initiated.

The applicable laws not only oblige farmers, but also the municipalities, to take suitable measures to improve water quality. This includes, for example, monitoring water samples and the promotion of environmentally friendly growing methods, as recommended by VSR water protection. A good example of a continued change could be the introduction of buffer zones in agricultural areas that are supposed to help filter excess nutrients from the water.

The role of society

Awareness in society about the importance of water quality and its effects on health grows continuously. Through initiatives and educational campaigns, the population can be informed about the dangers of nitrate pollution. Understanding the connections between agriculture, water balance and personal health is crucial to mobilize public opinion and to encourage politics to act.

Citizens' initiatives and projects-based projects play a key role in the field of water and environmental policy. These groups actively work for the protection of water resources and can also help farmers to act in the sense of sustainable development. The aim of the green agricultural policy in Germany is to promote the dialogue between farmers and civil society in order to find solutions to reduce nitrate pollution.

Through such cooperation, innovative approaches such as agroforS systems, as described by VSR water protection, can be implemented faster. This also strengthens social cohesion, which contributes to the positive development of the region in the long term.

technological progress and innovations

The improvement of water quality not only requires political and social efforts, but also technological innovations. Various procedures have been developed in recent years that enable an effective reduction in nitrate in groundwater. Among other things, this includes new fertilizers that are released more slowly, as well as more precise irrigation techniques that use the necessary amount of water and nutrients more efficiently.

In addition, organic-degradable materials and other sustainable processes are developed that support farmers in increasing their yields without endangering water quality. Innovative measurement methods that monitor the quality of groundwater in real time enable a targeted adjustment of the cultivation methods to further reduce the entries from nitrate.

Such technological advances are crucial in order to not only manage the current challenges, but also to enable future generations to make sustainable agriculture.