FWC-NbS 3: Aquifer (Type B)

Location:  Sardinia, Italy

Climate: Hot-summer Mediterranean climate

Area: 6000 Ha

Objectives: Improve groundwater quality and storage with low-cost and more efficient technological solutions.

Challenges: Water quality; diffuse contamination of aquifers with nitrates; soil fertility management

Description: The Arborea farming district represents one of the most productive agricultural sites in Italy and is identified as a Nitrates Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). It is located on a plain surrounded by marsh wetlands which are protected under the EU Natura 2000 directive and the Ramsar convention. There is a sandy and alluvial aquifer connected to each other. Some projects have been implemented to mitigate the high nitrate groundwater contamination (RE-LIVE, MEDISS). Currently, A MAR pilot system through the technique Forested Infiltration Area (FIA) is being tested as best practice in the sandy phreatic aquifer within the MENAWARA project. 

• Agriculture: Irrigated crops to produce fodder for the dairy cattle farming system. Other crops are alfalfa and horticultural crops, often cultivated in greenhouses.
• Communities: Strong Cooperatives supporting farmers technically and administratively.
• Water policies: WFD 2000/60/EC; Nitrate Directive 91/676.
• Data: Baseline of drainage water (pesticides and herbicides) and groundwater (contaminants)