Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Environmental impact of fertilization and pesticide application in vegetable cropping systems under greenhouse and open field conditions

Author(s):

Alvaro Marucci ^1*, Enio Campiglia ², Giuseppe Colla ¹, Barbara Pagniello ¹

Recieved Date: 2011-07-04, Accepted Date: 2011-10-08

Abstract:

This paper reports the results of a study carried out to assess the environmental impact of fertilizers and pesticides used on vegetable crops grown under open field and greenhouse conditions in a coastal area located in Central Italy. The research was carried out by means of a direct survey in order to gather data relating to crops, rotations and farming techniques in the most representative farms and the subsequent simulation with the GLEAMS model to assess the loss of water, nutrients and pesticides for typical vegetable crop rotations in the greenhouse and the open field. Further investigations have been focused on the content of nitrate in groundwater. From the simulation, it was seen that the greatest losses of nutrients in the open field depend on an excessive application of fertilizers and water compared to the crop requirements. In the greenhouse minor water losses were recorded due to the greater water use efficiency. The simulation results concerning pesticides showed substantial losses in the open field, while there were no significant losses in the greenhouse. The study showed that rainfall which is heaviest in autumn and spring in the Mediterranean environment of central Italy caused leaching of nitrate that was found in high concentrations in groundwater.

Keywords:

Vegetable crops, models, fertilizers, pesticides, leaching

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 840-846

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