DEMETRA DSS: new technologies for the protection of water from nitrate pollution of agricultural origin

Commission Directive 91/676/EC introduced the water protection from nitrates from agricultural sources. The Puglia Region has approved its 'Nitrate Action Plan' (NAP) in 2013, establishing Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), restrictions on agronomic management and administrative obligations based on territorial studies. However, those aims require appropriate feedback through monitoring activities to identify the real sources of nitrate contamination. The DEMETRA DSS project arises from a synergy between ICT companies, research institutes and agricultural organizations. The project aims at supporting local institutions for territorial monitoring and for the management of contamination sources and introduces innovations capable of mitigating the agronomic impact on the territory.