The aim of the study is to present the application of the LOS method consisted of a set of parametric indices for the assessment of intrinsic vulnerability for the Fucino Plain in central Italy. The indices estimate separately the vulnerability of agricultural land to water and nitrogen losses through percolation and runoff. The study area is a small and intensively farmed lacustrine plain, which can be considered a representative case study to describe the vulnerability of small upland plains surrounded by mountain complexes. The application of the indices showed a generally low vulnerability of the total area to generate nitrogen pollution. The low levels of nitrogen losses from percolation are mainly attributed to the presence of low permeable lacustrine soils in the whole area, which are described by very low infiltration rates, protecting the shallow aquifer. Relative differences between zones are mainly attributed to the differences of clay percentage in the soil. The most vulnerable zones are located in the central and western part because of the presence of the coarser soils. On the other hand, the low levels of nitrogen losses from runoff are mainly attributed to the flat topography and the respective runoff water losses. The most vulnerable regions are located in a thin strip of land along the borders, especially in the North-Eastern zone. The simplicity of the LOS method to identify vulnerable zones can be used as a basic tool to designate best management practices for reducing water and nitrogen losses from agricultural systems.
Assessment of intrinsic vulnerability to nitrogen losses: the case study of Fucino plain, ITALY
SALEMI, Enzo;COLOMBANI, Nicolo';MASTROCICCO, Micol;ASCHONITIS, Vasileios;
2014
Abstract
The aim of the study is to present the application of the LOS method consisted of a set of parametric indices for the assessment of intrinsic vulnerability for the Fucino Plain in central Italy. The indices estimate separately the vulnerability of agricultural land to water and nitrogen losses through percolation and runoff. The study area is a small and intensively farmed lacustrine plain, which can be considered a representative case study to describe the vulnerability of small upland plains surrounded by mountain complexes. The application of the indices showed a generally low vulnerability of the total area to generate nitrogen pollution. The low levels of nitrogen losses from percolation are mainly attributed to the presence of low permeable lacustrine soils in the whole area, which are described by very low infiltration rates, protecting the shallow aquifer. Relative differences between zones are mainly attributed to the differences of clay percentage in the soil. The most vulnerable zones are located in the central and western part because of the presence of the coarser soils. On the other hand, the low levels of nitrogen losses from runoff are mainly attributed to the flat topography and the respective runoff water losses. The most vulnerable regions are located in a thin strip of land along the borders, especially in the North-Eastern zone. The simplicity of the LOS method to identify vulnerable zones can be used as a basic tool to designate best management practices for reducing water and nitrogen losses from agricultural systems.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
