Chapter 4 - Water Resource Contamination in Italian Paddy Areas

Abstract

This chapter discusses the water resources contamination in Italian paddy areas. Italy represents an interesting case study because pesticides may contaminate water resources, both in the surface and in the ground due to the geological conditions of the areas where rice is cropped. The area under cultivation has increased rapidly due to the high profitability and the cultural and traditional relevance of this crop. Expansion has occurred even in areas traditionally less suitable for rice production, where the presence of irrigation water makes cultivation possible. In paddy area the surface water is more vulnerable to contamination compared with groundwater due to its water continuum with the treated field. The contamination of the water resources from pesticide use in rice is mainly related to the intrinsic vulnerability of each area. In this area the pesticide use should be controlled and measured for a sustainable use of pesticide. To reduce the risk, landscape management at the farm and regional level should be developed, including the use of crop rotation and other agronomical practices such as reducing the use of water and irrigation systems based on continuous flooding. Government institutions dealing with the environmental and human health carry out control of the overall quality of the water resources in Italy.