Measurements show high pollution levels in the Groß-Gerau district – new concepts for sustainable agriculture required
Groß-Gerau district. The VSR Water Protection Association (VSR-Gewässerschutz eV) significantly elevated nitrate levels in 188 well water samples from the Groß-Gerau district . The measurements were taken at the beginning of August in Groß-Gerau and at the end of September in Riedstadt. One in six samples exceeded the limit of 50 milligrams per liter of nitrate – a finding that, according to the organization, requires urgent action.
"Despite numerous regulations regarding the amount and timing of fertilizer application, nitrate pollution in groundwater is not decreasing as hoped," explains Harald Gülzow of the VSR Water Protection Agency. Particularly alarming levels are found in several municipalities in the district: 126 mg/l were Mörfelden , 94 mg/l in Geinsheim 91 mg/l in , and 90 mg/l in Worfelden . In Leeheim (89 mg/l) , Trebur (74 mg/l) , Büttelborn and Erfelden (73 mg/l) , as well as Groß-Gerau (70 mg/l), the levels also exceed the limit, in some cases considerably.
An interactive map with the complete results is available on the VSR Water Protection website at vsr-gewaesserschutz.de/regionales/hessen
Agroforestry as a solution to nitrate pollution
The association calls for greater support for agroforestry systems According to Gülzow
arable farming and woodland management In the Groß-Gerau district, 84 percent of agricultural land consists of arable land, mostly without trees. Rain washes the easily soluble nitrate from fertilizers into deeper soil layers, where it can no longer be absorbed by plants. "Trees with their deep roots bring the nitrate back to the surface, thus reducing groundwater pollution," explains Gülzow.
In addition to water protection, experts say agroforestry systems also contribute to climate and species conservation . They protect against soil erosion, promote dew formation, and can yield stability during extreme weather . VSR Water Protection therefore supports the "Agroforestry Now" , which calls for a clear political framework for agroforestry. More information is available at agroforestry.jetzt.
background
The VSR Water Protection Association was founded in 1980 as a merger of various citizens' initiatives. From April to September, the yellow mobile laboratory is on the road analyzing well water samples. In winter, the association analyses rivers and streams to determine the extent to which contaminated groundwater contributes to nitrate pollution in surface waters.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/VSR)
