Woodchip bioreactor as a site specific approach to reduce nitrate loads from agricultur: demonstration in practice

“In the South-eastern part of the Netherlands, nitrate concentrations often exceed the limit values in surface water due to agricultural activities. Water bodies should be in good chemical status by 2027 according to the Water Framework Directive, so measures should be taken to reduce nitrate
loads to the streams. In this area, many agricultural fields are equipped with tile drainage systems. A way to reduce the nitrate emissions is the installation of woodchip bioreactors which are connected to these tile drainage systems. Residence times of the drainage water should be taken into account, for negative side effects may prevail when these are too high. This includes the production of nitrous oxides, sulfide and ammonia, and leaching of heavy metals.”

(Citation: Driezum, I.H. van, Loon, A.H. van, Jansen, S. t. al. – Woodchip bioreactor as a site specific approach to reduce nitrate loads from agricultur: demonstration in practice – EGU General Assembly 2025 EGU25-6420 – https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6420)