IMPACT OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS ON THE QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER CASE OF MITIDJA PLAIN (ALGERIA)

Mohamed Ridha KHOULI, Larbi DJABRI

ABSTRACT: The use of agricultural inputs, especially in Great Plains agriculture-based, requires management and protection of water supplies that remain exposed to a high pollution potential. Mitidja in several catchments (16) are currently operated through wells, boreholes and springs. The majority of soils have infiltration rates suitable for irrigation. Groundwater Nitrates come mainly from agricultural activities where leaching is directly related to the use of fertilizers. The contribution of fertilizer regularly taking place from March with appreciable amounts especially in the areas of intense practice of gardening in all seasons, associated with increased livestock development, contributes significantly to increased nitrate concentrations exceeding the then permissible standard.

Keywords: Mitidja, Groundwater, Fertilizer, Pollution, Nitrate

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