Considerations on main factors which take part in nitrate contamination of ground water in Spain with relationship to other EU countries

Analysis of different factors affecting nitrate pollution of waters in Spain and other E.U. countries is presented. Average pluviometry in Spain is ca. 560 l/m(2), whereas in the agricultural countries is over 750 l/m(2). Fertirrigation in Spain, in drip irrigation, is over 200 M ha. Average rates of mineral fertilization are 36-19-15, in kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O, whereas in the E.U. they are 69-28-30. Animal liquid sludges contribution is in relation to the livestock population and, in Spain, density of bovine and swine heads per ha is 0.8, whereas in the E.U. it is 1.3. Presently situation of underground water pollution in Spain is lower than in the E.U. Northern countries but efforts must be enhanced to improve water quality.