Effect of synthetic fertilizers and atmospheric precipitation on nitrogen enrichment in surface waters

Abstract

The increase of the nitrate c,oncentration in surface waters used as water supply resources has been investigated with a view to the effects of agricultural activities and atmospheric precipitation. The nitrate concentration increased beyond the acceptable limit for infants after 1975, when due t o the permanent augmentation of the synthetic fertilizer rates the organic humus quantities decreased t o a minimum. The variability of nitrate concentrations in atmospheric precipitation is dependent on the magnitude of precipitation and the intensity of industry in the given region. At a n average value of atmospheric precipitation the nitrogen value in agricultural regions varies within 6 t o 12 kg * ha-I.a-1, in regions with extended industries u p to 24 kgha-l * a-I.