Investigation of Water Quality in the Agricultural Area of Lithuanian Karst Region

Abstract

In North Lithuania, karst processes are developing in the formations of the Upper Devonian represented by fissured gypsum-dolomite. The result of these processes on surface is the formation of sinkhole. The precipitation infiltrates into the karst aquifer not only through Quaternary sediments but also through karst sinkholes. The groundwater is extremely vulnerable to pollution in karst region. Agricultural practise is prevailing in this region. The objective of chapter is present of the results from various investigations on drainage, rivers, sinkholes and ground water quality in the agricultural area of Lithuanian karst region. This study was prepared on the basis of scientific publication analysis and the generalization methods were used. Based on this result, chemical composition of research water is mostly depended on the type of soil, meteorological conditions and land used. Higher amount of nitrogen and phosphorus are leached out in winter and spring periods.