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Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture, providing irrigation water for crops and drinking water for communities. However, agricultural activities can contribute to groundwater contamination through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. This review presents a multidisciplinary assessment of the risks associated with groundwater contamination from agriculture and explores mitigation strategies to protect groundwater quality. The assessment begins with an overview of the sources and pathways of agricultural contamination of groundwater, emphasizing the role of geologic factors, such as soil composition and hydrogeology, in influencing the transport of contaminants. The risks posed by various contaminants, including nitrates, pesticides, and pathogens, are discussed, highlighting their potential impacts on human health and the environment. Next, the review examines the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in assessing and managing groundwater contamination risks. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between farmers, scientists, policymakers, and community members to develop effective mitigation strategies. The role of geologists, hydrologists, agronomists, and environmental scientists in monitoring and managing groundwater quality is emphasized, highlighting the importance of integrating their expertise to address complex groundwater contamination issues. Mitigation strategies for agricultural contamination of groundwater are then discussed, including the use of best management practices (BMPs) such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and precision agriculture to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The review also explores the role of regulatory measures, such as groundwater monitoring programs and land-use regulations, in protecting groundwater quality. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assessing and mitigating groundwater contamination risks from agriculture. By integrating geologic, hydrologic, agronomic, and environmental sciences, stakeholders can develop effective strategies to protect groundwater quality and ensure the sustainability of agriculture.
Kupa et al. (Thu,) studied this question.