48
D. Kirschke et al.
Nitrate level in the groundwater
(mg/l nitrate)
Fig. 3.6 Average nitrate levels at the measuring points (EEA monitoring network), 2012–2014
(Source Edited according to BMUB and BMEL: (2017), p. 45)
Hence, the nitrate problem has developed into a serious threat to society and nature.
After an intensive debate the German Bundestag has finally decided upon tightening
the Act on Fertilizers (Düngegesetz) (Bundesgesetzblatt 2017a) and a reform of good
practice in fertilization (Düngemittelverordnung) (Bundesgesetzblatt 2017b) that
govern the use of fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer in Germany. Major new elements
are e.g. fertilizer requirement statements for each plot, modified blocking periods
for N-fertilizers, a limitation of nitrogen surplus on agricultural land to 60 kg/ha
until 2020 and 50 kg/ha thereafter. The European Commission is not convinced
that the revisions are sufficient and has requested the German government to provide
proposals for a further revision; a new infringement procedure with threatening financial penalties is becoming more likely (Agra-Europe 2019). In any case, the nitrate
problem will remain a key problem for agricultural land use in Germany since the
revitalization of groundwater resources takes a considerable amount of time.
D. Kirschke et al.
Nitrate level in the groundwater
(mg/l nitrate)
Fig. 3.6 Average nitrate levels at the measuring points (EEA monitoring network), 2012–2014
(Source Edited according to BMUB and BMEL: (2017), p. 45)
Hence, the nitrate problem has developed into a serious threat to society and nature.
After an intensive debate the German Bundestag has finally decided upon tightening
the Act on Fertilizers (Düngegesetz) (Bundesgesetzblatt 2017a) and a reform of good
practice in fertilization (Düngemittelverordnung) (Bundesgesetzblatt 2017b) that
govern the use of fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer in Germany. Major new elements
are e.g. fertilizer requirement statements for each plot, modified blocking periods
for N-fertilizers, a limitation of nitrogen surplus on agricultural land to 60 kg/ha
until 2020 and 50 kg/ha thereafter. The European Commission is not convinced
that the revisions are sufficient and has requested the German government to provide
proposals for a further revision; a new infringement procedure with threatening financial penalties is becoming more likely (Agra-Europe 2019). In any case, the nitrate
problem will remain a key problem for agricultural land use in Germany since the
revitalization of groundwater resources takes a considerable amount of time.