Environmental impact of nitrate tried many German groundwater – FAZ – Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

A farmer puts manure on a snow-covered field in the town of Seiffen in the Erzgebirge of Germany.

The values of nitrate in German groundwater are in many places high: 28 percent of the considered measuring the limit values for the harmful Düngestoff had been exceeded, was quoted by the newspaper “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” from the current nitrate report, the government Commission sent to the EU.

In the past few years had been made in Germany in the case of nitrate pollution “no significant changes”, i.e., it is therefore in the government report. Problematic is the high Occurrence of phosphorus, which can get on agricultural land, ultimately, in the North sea and the Baltic sea and the algae growth – friendly is the Found according to. 65 per cent of the measuring points on lakes and rivers, meadows to high values.

source for this is from the point of view of the Federal environment Ministry, the agriculture, which comprises applying nutrients in the Form of manure or artificial fertiliser on the fields. It was “in the sense of our common good, if we are here, stronger than before against taxes,” said Federal environment Minister Barbara Hendricks (SPD) of the sheet.

The only rules with “enhanced Fertilizer”, said the SPD politician. You referred to the 2016, completed the amendment of the Düngerechts, which is not yet entered, but not yet in force. “The intensification of agriculture comes to us again and again expensive,” said Hendricks. The Excess of nutrients is harmful to the biodiversity. Additional costs for drinking water supply are not excluded, even if, as yet, no impairment was observed.

In November, had sued the EU Commission for the Federal Republic of Germany for breach of EU nitrate Directive. In January, the Federal government must transmit a response. In the event of a condemnation of Germany could face heavy fines.

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nitrate helps plants Grow and is often used as a fertilizer. Excessive amounts of nitrate can lead to severe water pollution and reduce the biodiversity in the waters. A nitrate concentration of over 50 milligrams per Liter can have according to the EU Commission a considerable impact on the health of people. Of concern, in particular for pregnant women and small children.