Environmental problems

Intensive agriculture exerts serious pressure on the area of ​​application, which is of particular ecological importance and is part of the Natura 2000 network and protected by the Ramsar treaty, and combined with other economic activities has led to the degradation of Lake Koronia. The over-pumping of underground aquifers, as well as the direct pumping of water from the lake, has led to a noticeable drop in its level. Expected climate change will exacerbate the problem as it affects the renewable reserves of underground aquifers.

In the area of ​​application of the Operational Plan, the water situation is characterized as poor, both qualitatively and quantitatively. From the processing and evaluation of the data of the existing boreholes, it appears that there is a relative drop in the piezometric level in 68% of the boreholes (from -0.02 m to -4.08 m/year). If this is combined with increased energy costs due to over-pumping, the problem in the area will be exacerbated. From the implementation of the project actions, energy and natural resource savings are expected that will result from the efficient use of irrigation water.

The cost of energy for the pumping and application of irrigation water is expected to have a positive effect on reducing the cost of production of agricultural products. Given the great ecological importance of the application area, the measures are expected to have positive effects on the sustainability of Lake Koroneia and at the same time will ensure the sustainability of development and the protection of the environment. The evaluation of the project’s results will be based on appropriate indicators linking production, irrigation water consumption and irrigation energy consumption.

Η μετάβαση προς μια γεωργία χαμηλότερων εισροών, αειφορική και φιλικότερη προς το περιβάλλον χρειάζεται μια διαφορετική διαχείριση του εδάφους και των λιπασμάτων. Η χρήση εμβολίων ΔΜΜ με «επί τόπου» παραγωγή περιλαμβάνει μια νέα προσέγγιση με ελαχιστοποίηση των λιπασμάτων, ώστε να μεγιστοποιείται η ωφέλεια από τους ΔΜΜ και να αυξάνεται η οργανική ουσία των εδαφών, διατηρώντας ταυτόχρονα υψηλές αποδόσεις. Επί πλέον, οι ΔΜΜ συμβάλουν στη δημιουργία καλύτερης εδαφικής δομής και εκ φύσεως ενισχύουν την εδαφική μικροβιακή δραστηριότητα, ενώ συμβάλουν οι ίδιοι και η αύξησης της εδαφικής οργανικής ουσίας στην αποθήκευση άνθρακα στο έδαφος.