Effect of subsurface drainage on nutrient pollution of surface waters in south eastern Albania

Abstract

Those who are familiar with salt problems in semi-arid regions are accustomed to thinking of managing water for its quality, but in areas where drainage water is primarily a result of excessive rainfall, drainage water management is a recently discovered tool. Thus, there are many unknowns in this area and much potential for improvements. Information is needed on the effects of subsurface drainage on the environment. A study to obtain information concerning the effect of subsurface drainage on nutrient pollution of surface waters was conducted from 1992–1995 in the Korça region, south-eastern Albania. The objectives of this study were: (a) to evaluate the effectiveness of subsurface drainage on reducing soil and nutrient erosion and surface run-off, and (b) to identify and evaluate the best water management practices to minimize off-site environmental impacts of drainage on outflow water quality in south-eastern Albania.