Vegetable growing in water protection zones of Baden-Wurttemberg

摘要

The German federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is granting 165 Euro/ha as arable subsidies in water protection zones. For vegetable production, more money could be claimed if higher expenses are documented. 10% of the farmland is categorized as highly problematic with nitrate concentrations in the groundwater of more than 50 mg/l, 28% is problematic with nitrate > 35 mg/l and 62% is seen as normal with < 35 mg/l. A rising nitrate concentration of 5 mg/l in 3 years is also categorized as problematic.A horticultural production of 1915 ha is located in problematic or highly problematic areas. Top and soft fruits (651 ha), vegetables (517 ha), strawberries (235 ha) and white asparagus (184 ha) are the most affected horticultural crops. The federal legislation act SchALVO imposed rules like Nmin sampling in 30% of the fields in problematic zones and 100% in highly problematic zones. A single nitrogen fertilizer application must be not more than 50 kg/ha on sandy soils (80 kg/ha are allowed with slow releasing fertilizers). The next application can follow only after 14 days. Other rules are all-year green cover and reduced or no tillage until February. Ten advisors are employed at the federal offices for implementing these rules in horticulture.