
demetra DSS
metagenomic identification of nitrate pollutions sources
Metagenomic analysis
A new analysis technique allowing identification of specific sequences of the microbiotic genome, through which it is possible to trace sources of nitrate pollution.
Technology
With specific IT solutions it is possible to support both farmers and Institutions by creating a territorial platform providing access to sapling data. This will allow a better drafting of administrative procedures and enhance traceability of agricultural reuse compounds.
Agriculture
Farmers from ZVNs (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) are first-hand involved in project activities, expecially in sampling activities and will benefit from IT solution.
Demetra project
DEMETRA DSS project is a PSR Puglia 2014-2020 projects, Measure 16.2, addressing the “nitrate issue” alongside local farms, thanks to the use of innovative IT supports.
What’s the”nitrate issue”?
and what does Nitrate Vulnerable Zones means?
Nitrogen is a fundamental nutritional element for plants, present in soil, but the intensive agricultural activities, livestock and industrial activity has caused a considerable increase in the presence of nitrogen in the groundwater. Large concentrations of nitrogen are toxic to humans and cause serious damage to the groundwater and waterways. That’s why the EU carries out control activities for the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (ZVN). However, it has not yet been possible to identify the real contributions of the sources of contamination.
Partners
Latest publications
News & events
Report: methodologies for the identification of nitrate pollution from agriculture activities
A proper identification of the sources of nitrate pollution is fundamental for a correct designation of NZVs and for developing correct agronomic strategies. The fight against nitrate pollution involves molecular analysis, in particular in the DEMETRA DSS project the...
Report: what’s a Nitrate Vulnerability Zone and what do you need to know about it?
Agricultural pollution by nitrates represent a great risk for the groundwater safety; for this reason the European Community has issued a series of rules that regulate the so-called Nitrate Vulnerability Zones. Find out what a Nitrate Vulnerability Zone is and how the...
First on-field activities for DEMETRA DSS
DEMETRA DSS project sampling activities have begun , this is the first step in the fight against nitrates! Sampling activities began on 02/03/2021 in Area 2 which includes 11 total sampling sites representative of the North Bari area. This sampling aims to carry out...
DEMETRA in action: on field activities, protocols and next visit calendar
On field visits for data collection and sampling stage of the DEMETRA DSS project has officially started Sampling activities of DEMETRA DSS project was started in March, after carrying out a preliminary inspection phase in all the study areas during the previous...
DEMETRA DSS officially started!
DEMETRA DSS project officially started with the kick-off meeting held today, 31 July 2020. The operational group, formed by representatives of CNR-IRSA, Confcooperative, Sysman, Sempreverde and Cantine Lizzano and Torricella, met (for the first time live!) to kick...
