Which tools to construct an action plan to limit the diffuse pollution by pesticides? The Laives case study

Abstract

Approached by farmers preoccupied to limit the pesticide contamination of water catchments of the city of Laives, the Chamber of Agriculture of Saône-et-Loire (France) implemented multiple approaches to evaluate the risk of diffuse pollution on this area. The study consisted in realising a diagnosis of the agricultural practices at the plot scale, completed by a diagnosis of the water flow in order to identify the field plots presenting a risk of pesticide transfer into water according to the method developed by the Corpen (the French Guidance Committee for agricultural practices respectful of the environment). Corrective solutions were also proposed on these "at risk" plots as recommended by the Corpen. The evolution of the practices was then assessed by calculating the IFT (an index of treatment frequency) and the I-Phy indicators on 29 field plots. The results obtained by each of these approaches are analysed and the assets and limits are discussed. The experience gained within the framework of this study is used to propose a methodology for using at best these different approaches.