Chapter 1
The Nitrates Directive, the Directive on Sustainable Use of Pesticides and the WFD tackle diffuse sources of pollution. Measures taken have led only to slightly positive trends on nutrient pollution (EC, 2017), and the overall level of diffuse pollution from agriculture remains high in parts of Europe. Measures are necessary and need to be more sufficiently implemented. The measures already implemented in Member States could be differentiated in management related measures, technical measures and measures to increase awareness for farmers and other stakeholders.
Management measures include for example imposing restrictions on organic fertilizer application (e.g. in compliance with the Nitrates Directive to 170kg/ha at farm level), on the application conditions for mineral and organic fertilizer and the amount of application of certain types of fertilizer during specific periods. For this, some Member States have limited the total applicable nitrogen for all crops, to inform farmers about their obligation, and to facilitate progress in implementation of the Nitrates Directive (EC 2019). To avoid pesticide contamination, ban, prohibition, restriction in use