Agricultural activities effects on groundwater contamination in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone of Latina Province

Abstract

This preliminary study summarizes the results of a nitrate leaching monitoring in two farms located in the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) of the coastal sandy aquifer of Pianura Pontina, Sabaudia (LT).The monitoring was performed by continuous measurement of piezometric levels of the groundwater aquifer and water sampling in selected wells of the area. The considered farms are representative of the two widespread cropping systems of the area: fodder crops in open field and vegetable crops in greenhouses. The experimental data were used to calibrate models and estimation procedures of leaching towards the aquifer - both the flow rate and nitrate transport and diffusion into the aquifer were evaluated. The developed procedures, under a continuous improvement, can be used to evaluate the whole coastal aquifer and to plan suitable protection measures.