Groundwater Contamination from Agricultural Runoff: Strategies for Mitigation and Monitoring

Abstract

Agricultural intensification, while boosting food production, has led to widespread groundwater contamination due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This paper investigates the extent and types of groundwater pollution resulting from agricultural runoff, focusing on nitrate and pesticide infiltration into aquifers. It employs hydro geological modeling and GIS-based mapping across various agricultural zones. The study also assesses seasonal variations and correlates farming practices with contaminant levels. Mitigation strategies such as controlled fertilizer application, use of biofertilizers, crop rotation, and buffer zones are examined for their effectiveness. The paper also highlights the role of farmers’ education and real-time monitoring technologies in curbing groundwater pollution. A sustainable agricultural policy must reconcile productivity with environmental integrity.

KEYWORDS: Groundwater Pollution, Agricultural Runoff, Nitrate Contamination, Biofertilizers, Hydro geological Modeling.