Agriculture et risques de pollution diffuse par les produits phytosanitaires

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The issue of water contamination with plant protection products is one which is being raised ever more frequently. But in fact a lot of useful experience has already been gained in avoiding the risk of nitrate pollution thanks to Ferti-Mieux operations which are based on an obligation to use cultivation techniques which reduce the risks of pollution as much as possible. The aricle sets out to demonstrate how this experience con also be applied to the case of plant protection products. In order to do this, we begin by examining the differences between nitrogen and plant protection products, especially in terms of the responsibilities of farmers and their consultants.Then we deal with prevention methods, training the farmers, and the concepts of crop systems and land management. In the conclusion we discuss joint action measures aimed at risk prevention.