Agricultural non-point source pollution in China: causes and mitigation measures

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science
• Water Quality Management

Background:

• Non-point source (NPS) pollution has become a significant environmental issue in China since the 1990s.
• Agricultural activities, particularly the use of fertilizers and pesticides, are major contributors to NPS pollution.
• Intensive livestock production and inadequate waste management exacerbate the problem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the increase in agricultural NPS pollution in China from 2000 to 2008.
• To identify the primary drivers of this escalating pollution.
• To propose effective mitigation strategies for reducing agricultural NPS pollution.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on water and soil pollution from agricultural inputs.
• Assessment of provincial nitrogen balance to quantify nutrient surplus.
• Analysis of trends in synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide application rates.

Main Results:

• Annual synthetic nitrogen fertilizer application increased by 50.7% between 1991 and 2008.
• Annual pesticide application saw a dramatic rise of 119.7% during the same period.
• Excessive fertilizer and pesticide inputs, linked to poor extension services and livestock waste management, were identified as key causes.

Conclusions:

• Addressing agricultural NPS pollution necessitates correcting fertilizer price distortions and incentivizing organic manure recycling.
• Enhancing farmer education on sustainable agrochemical use is crucial.
• Stricter regulations and national standards for organic waste disposal and pesticide application are essential for pollution control.