nitratrådsdirektiv

The Nitratrådsdirektiv, or Nitrates Directive, is a European Union directive aimed at protecting water quality from nitrate pollution. Specifically, it addresses the pollution of waters caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The directive requires member states to identify waters affected by nitrates and to establish action programs to reduce and prevent this pollution. This includes designating vulnerable zones where nitrate levels are high or at risk of becoming high.

Within these vulnerable zones, member states must implement measures such as setting limits on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer that can be applied per hectare, establishing closed periods for fertilizer application, and ensuring proper storage of animal manure. The goal is to promote good agricultural practices that minimize the leaching of nitrates into groundwater and surface water. Member states are also required to monitor water quality and report on the effectiveness of their action programs. The directive has been in place for many years and has been instrumental in driving efforts to improve water quality across the EU, though challenges remain in achieving full compliance and effectiveness in all regions.