Abstract

A method of regional modelling and mapping of NO3 leaching from agriculture soils is presented and was used to assess sensitivity of agriculture soils to NO3 leaching. Nitrate leaching was calculated by an empirical model, describing steady state NO3 leaching as a function of soil type, type of agricultural land use and depth of the groundwater table. The model was implemented in a geographic information system. Results of this study are a national N balance of agricultural soils and an areal distribution of agricultural soils with regard to the predicted NO3 concentration of the uppermost groundwater. From these results it was concluded that NO3 pollution of the upper groundwater occurs almost everywhere in sandy and loamy soils.