92. Natural Protection against Groundwater Pollution by Nitrates in the Central Valley of Chile

The Central Valley of Chile is a zone of intensive agricultural activity. Historically, in this zone, large amounts of fertilizers have been applied and low technological level irrigation methods have been used. Contrary to what might be expected, the existing aquifers in the Central Valley do not contain significant nitrate that could be associated with agricultural activity. This situation leads one to infer the existence of favourable conditions for the occurrence of natural attenuating processes such as denitrification. Favourable conditions may be related to the particular soil and climatic conditions, and/or the structure and dynamics of the existing aquifers.