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
DEMETRA DSS is the best technological innovation – Water-Energy-Food Nexus!
Naples 12-15 July 2022 DEMETRA DSS was awarded as the best technological innovation presented in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus section during the fifth edition of the International Conference EWaS (Efficient Water Systems) - International Conference on "Water Security...
DemetraDss @ EWaS International Conference – Napoli 2022
Naples 12-15 July 2022 The 5th edition of the International Conference EWaS (Efficient Water Systems) - International Conference on "Water Security and Safety Management: emerging threats or new challenges? Moving from Therapy and Restoration to Prognosis and...
Nitrates and food: is food secure?
Nitrates are present in almost all foods on our table, yet we worry for the 'nitrate issue'. So it's worth asking: Is our food safe? Nitrates and Nitrites, and all of the nitrogen compounds, promote optimal crop growth and food preservation. For this reason, in...
The cycle of nitrogen: from the atmosphere to the table
Ions and molecules of nutrients are continuously transferred from the physical environment to organisms through circular paths: the Biogeochemical Cycles. These include nitrogen Let's get to know him better! Only 12% of nitrogen compounds come from fixation, all the...
NITROGEN: WHERE DO NITRATES IN GROUNDWATER COME FROM?
Nitrogen is fundamental to all living things, but nitrates in groundwater represent a serious health and environmental risk. Where do nitrates in groundwater come from and what is the role of a responsible agriculture to reduce contamination, starting from the...
Second sampling campaign for Demetra DSS
Second sampling campaign for environmental monitoring of the DEMETRA DSS project at the Sempreverde company started today! At the beginning of the new agricultural season, the CNR-IRSA team together with the Agris one returned on field to start the second...
WORLD WATER DAY 2022: GROUNDWATER AND POLLUTION
2022 World Water Day is dedicated to groundwater and its preservation from over-usage and pollution due to agricultural activities. Water is one of the essential inorganic components for life whose movement defines the so-called nutrient cycle. In addition, water as...
How to choose and characterize an experimental area
To ensure that the DEMETRA DSS solution is consistent with the problem of farmers in the ZVNs and institutions, an intense experimentation activity was carried on experimental areas: let's find out how an experimental area is chosen and characterized. PHASE 1:...
New NZV designation in Puglia: what’s the situation?
The designation of NVZ has undergone several evolutions over the years, thanks to the new scientific tools available: let's discover together the situation in Puglia today! The first designation of the NVZ by the Puglia Region dates back to 2005: in response to...
Leaching of nitrates: tools and strategy to avoid it
Nitrogen is not in absolute terms a risk factor or insurance for a good and healthy product: like other nutritional elements such as potassium or calcium, nitrogen, in correct quantities, is essential for health and success. of agricultural production (eg nitrogen...