ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The intensive development of livestock industry has determined significant increases of animae manure quantitie, which due to inadequate management, have led to water quality deterioration by pollution with nitrates from agriculture, especially in the areas with insufficient land. The European Community (EU) has introduced Directive no. 91/676/EEC (water protection against nitrate pollution from agriculture sources) and its implementation in Romania will produce major changes in the agriculture. In Romania there has been designated 251 vulnerable zones (NVZ communities). This paper aims to present progress made in the implementation of the Nitrate Directive in Romania before and after joining the European Union and the difficulties faced during this complex process.
