Nitrate pollution risk assessment : from the model to the indicator

Anne Marie Lacroix (1) , François Laurent (2) , Denis Ruelland (3) , Emmanuelle Sauboua (4)

1 GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée = Grenoble Applied Economics Laboratory
2 ESO - Espaces Géographiques et Sociétés
3 HSM - Hydrosciences Montpellier
4 INRA PSDR - INRA PSDR

The diffuse nature of nitrate pollution makes it difficult to evaluate existing or planned measures to reduce it. Tools are therefore been developed to assess this pollution, ranging from simple indicators to complex models. The aim of this paper is to compare indicators and models by analysing results obtained from their individual application to the same area. The pros and cons of each approach are evaluated in terms of both the conditions of their implementation and the results obtained. This comparaison helps to guide the choice of a methodology. Rules governing data that choice are set in relation to the nature of the diagnosis to perform and the characteritics of the area under study.

Mots clés: indicator; simulation model; nitrate; nitrogen; leaching; soil; runoff; decision-making tool; water resources; nonpoint pollution

Domaines: Géographie; Etudes de l'environnement

Anne Marie Lacroix, François Laurent, Denis Ruelland, Emmanuelle Sauboua. Nitrate pollution risk assessment : from the model to the indicator. International Journal of Agricultural Resources Governance and Ecology, 2006, 5 (2/3), pp.206-223. ⟨10.1504/IJARGE.2006.009164⟩. ⟨halshs-00009262⟩