Contamination of surface water by pesticides and the role of buffer zones to limit the transfer: State of knowledge and implications for action

Abstract

Reaching the Water Framework Directive goals towards nonpoint pollution by pesticide implies to combine several complementary actions aiming at reducing both the total applied amounts and their transfer to water bodies. As for that, a sufficient knowledge of local major processes and water pathways is required so as to identify the most adapted actions and the condition of their best efficiency. Buffer strips have been shown to be efficient tools to reduce pesticide transfer into runoff once some elementary practical rules are respected. In particular, they must be settled in position to intercept diffuse runoff and to preserve a good infiltration capacity. In practice, localisation up stream in the catchment is to be promoted.