Protecting the Betoires
Presentation
Characterization of the technique
Description of the technique :
| Rémy Ballot | INRA | remy.ballot(at)grignon.inra.fr | Grignon (78) |
Betoires are zones of direct connection between surface water and groundwater that form on limestone bedrock. Betoires can be sealed (filled with rubble, soil…) to allow cultivation, but this operation does not reduce the risk of pollutant transfer (N, P, pesticides) to groundwater. For this, it is preferable to grass the perimeter of the betoires to promote the purification of surface water before its infiltration into the aquifer. Grass cover can be complemented by the construction of embankments aimed at diverting runoff from the betoire.
Implementation period On established crop
Spatial scale of implementation Plot
Application of the technique to...
All crops : Easily generalizable
All soil types : Easily generalizable
All climatic contexts : Easily generalizable
Regulation
POSITIVE influence
In Seine-Maritime, the prefectural decree of 24 January 2012, called "Ditch Order", prohibits the use of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides) in and within 1 meter of betoires, marl pits, wells, ditches (even dry), ponds, watercourses, water collectors, water points, boreholes...
Effects on the sustainability of the cropping system
“Environmental” criteria
Effect on water quality : Increasing
N.P. : DECREASE
pesticides : DECREASE
turbidity : DECREASE
Other : No effect (neutral)
Grassing the perimeters of betoires promotes the deposition of soil particles carried by runoff and of phosphorus and pesticide residues adsorbed on these particles before surface water reaches groundwater. The absorption of nitrogen by the cover also helps minimize the amount of leached nitrogen.
“Agronomic” criteria
Productivity : No effect (neutral)
Functional Biodiversity : Increasing
“Economic” criteria
Operating costs : No effect (neutral)
Grassing the perimeters of betoires involves costs for seed purchase, but these costs are negligible given the areas concerned.
Mechanization costs : No effect (neutral)
Grassing the perimeters of betoires involves mechanization costs (installation, maintenance…) but these costs are negligible given the areas concerned.
Margin : No effect (neutral)
Grassing the perimeters of betoires involves additional costs for installation and maintenance of the grassed area, but these costs are negligible given the areas concerned. Moreover, this implies a reduction in areas devoted to cash crops, but these are generally the least productive areas.
“Social” criteria
Working time : Variable
Grassing the perimeters of betoires involves additional work for installation and maintenance of the grassed area but this workload is limited given the areas concerned.
For more information
- Prevent water pollution by establishing a grass strip
- -Chambre d'agriculture de Seine-Maritime, Technical brochure, 2006
- Protecting betoires for quality tap water
- -Chambre d'agriculture de Seine-Maritime, Technical brochure, 2015
Keywords
Bioaggressor control method :
Mode of action :
Type of strategy regarding pesticide use :
Appendices
S'applique aux cultures suivantes
