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Evaluation of Agricultural Measures to Safeguard the Vulnerable Karst Groundwater Habitat of the Black Olm ( Proteus anguinus parkelj ) from Nitrate Pollution

Author

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  • Matjaž Glavan

    (Agronomy Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Rozalija Cvejić

    (Agronomy Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

The black olm ( Proteus anguinus parkelj Sket & Arntzen) is an endemic species found exclusively in the Dobličica River subterranean water systems of the Dinaric karst in southern Slovenia. These unique habitats are vulnerable to contamination due to rapid water flow, primarily from nitrates from agricultural fertilisers and untreated urban wastewater. The safe limit of nitrate concentration for olms is 9.2 mg NO 3 − /L, yet measurements in karst springs have shown levels ranging from 3 mg to over 20 mg NO 3 − /L. The SWAT modelling tool assessed agri-environmental and land use scenarios for their impact on nitrate leaching. Using the model, we identified hotspots with high nitrogen leaching potential that require immediate attention and implementation of better agricultural practices for fertiliser use. For these hotspots, the most effective approach combines scenarios of cover crops (R2), reduced fertilisation (R3), crop rotation (R4), and conversion of cropland to grassland (E2, E4, E5), potentially decreasing nitrate leaching by up to 60%. Implementing the best scenarios is expected to reduce nitrogen levels below the limit value of 9.2 mg NO 3 − /L, essential for maintaining the black olm habitat.

Suggested Citation

  • Matjaž Glavan & Rozalija Cvejić, 2024. "Evaluation of Agricultural Measures to Safeguard the Vulnerable Karst Groundwater Habitat of the Black Olm ( Proteus anguinus parkelj ) from Nitrate Pollution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:11309-:d:1550957
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giordano, Raffaele & D’Agostino, Daniela & Apollonio, Ciro & Scardigno, Alessandra & Pagano, Alessandro & Portoghese, Ivan & Lamaddalena, Nicola & Piccinni, Alberto F. & Vurro, Michele, 2015. "Evaluating acceptability of groundwater protection measures under different agricultural policies," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 54-66.
    2. Zoran Stevanović & Aleksandra Maran Stevanović, 2021. "Monitoring as the Key Factor for Sustainable Use and Protection of Groundwater in Karst Environments—An Overview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, May.
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