Grundwasserschutz durch ökologischen Landbau : Warum sich Wasserversorgungsunternehmen und Landwirte mit dieser umweltschonenden Form der Landwirtschaft so schwer tun

The pollution of groundwater with nitrate and pesticides has developped to a great problem for many water works. Especially the ecological farming is accepted as a groundwater protective form of cultivation, but can not be found very often. In preparing a diploma dissertation, water works and farmers have been interviewed to develop measures to promoting eco-logical farming. When water works want to support ecological farming in their catchment area they have to cooperate with the national farmer association, organic farming associations and agricultural consultation. Organic cultivation is often linked with unknownness and prejudices. The relatively lower output and the higher labour capacity lower seem to the financial outcome. Especially during the time of change to ecological farming, a financial compensation is necessary. The market situation for organic products has to be improved. Water works can famers help in publicity work. Drinking water customers are often unconscious about the connection between organic farming and ground water protection. The knowledge about this relationship has to be improved.