Measurements show high levels of pollution in the Groß-Gerau district – new concepts for sustainable agriculture are needed
District of Groß-Gerau. The VSR-Gewässerschutz eV (Association for the Protection of Water Resources) has detected significantly elevated nitrate levels in 188 well water samples from the district of Groß-Gerau . The measurements were taken in early August in Groß-Gerau and at the end of September in Riedstadt. The limit of 50 milligrams of nitrate per liter was exceeded in every sixth sample – a finding that, according to the organization, requires urgent action.
“Despite numerous regulations regarding the amount and timing of fertilizer application, nitrate levels in groundwater are not decreasing as hoped,” explains Harald Gülzow of VSR-Gewässerschutz (Association for the Protection of Water Resources). He notes that levels in several municipalities within the district are particularly alarming: 126 mg/l were measured in Mörfelden , 94 mg/l in Geinsheim , 91 mg/l in Weiterstadt , and 90 mg/l in Worfelden . Levels also significantly exceed the limit in Leeheim (89 mg/l) , Trebur (74 mg/l) , Büttelborn and Erfelden (73 mg/l) , and Groß-Gerau (70 mg/l) . An interactive map with the complete results is available on the VSR-Gewässerschutz website at vsr-gewaesserschutz.de/regionales/hessen
Agroforestry as a solution to nitrate pollution
The association is calling for for agroforestry systems as a key component of sustainable agriculture in Germany. According to Gülzow, this combination of arable farming and woodland management can significantly reduce nitrate pollution without sacrificing yields.
In the Groß-Gerau district, 84 percent of agricultural land consists of arable land, mostly without trees. Rain washes the readily 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 protecting water resources, experts say that agroforestry systems also contribute to climate and species protection. They protect against soil erosion, promote dew formation, and can yield stability during extreme weather events . The VSR-Gewässerschutz (Association for the Protection of Water Resources) therefore supports the "Agroforestry Now", which calls for clear political framework conditions for agroforestry. More information can be found at agroforst.jetzt
background
The VSR-Gewässerschutz (Association for the was founded in 1980 as an alliance of various citizens' initiatives. From April to September, the yellow mobile laboratory is on the road analyzing well water samples. In winter, the association investigates rivers and streams to determine the extent to which contaminated groundwater contributes to nitrate pollution in surface waters.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/VSR)
