Bioengineering and Environmental Engineering High nitrate pollution of groundwater requires tightened measures in agriculture to minimize nutrient surpluses

The present report first describes the considerable pollution of groundwater in Lower Saxony caused by intensive agriculture and livestock. Based on current facts, the further aggravation of the fertilizer ordinance and its impacts on livestock is delineated using the Weser-Ems region as an example. The considerable nutrient surpluses in several regions of Lower Saxony must be minimized to meet the requirements of the EU Nitrate Guideline (91/676/EEC) in the medium term. Besides agreed actions to date and without a significant livestock reduction, multi-stage and interplant manure treatment operations will be required for nutrient separation in concerned regions and the export of nutrient concentrates as well.