Hubmann's pork keeping in focus: the measuring device should save groundwater!

Hubmann's pork keeping in focus: the measuring device should save groundwater!

The discussion about the effects of pig farming on the groundwater is absorbed in Austria. The Hubmann brothers keep their pigs in tents on the field, which is considered inexpensive and animal -friendly form of husbandry. However, this practice is controversial. The ÖVP, the pig industry and the farmers' association express concerns about possible threats to the groundwater by the nitrate entry. Despite the concerns, no direct groundwater pollution by Hubmann's form of husbandry was proven, such as [ots.at] (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250425_ots0016/messgeraet-zur-water pollution-pollution-bei-hubmanns-Freilandschwein-Alternative-installed) reported.

In order to recognize possible risks at an early stage, the Hubmann family installed an innovative measuring device. It is 90 cm below a pig's clamp and regularly measures temperature, moisture, nitrate entry and conductivity. The data obtained can be read externally and updated every six hours. Hubmanns assume that the results of their measurements will prove the harmlessness of their way of keeping. You receive support from GDR. Martin Balluch, who sees the form of husbandry as a future -oriented for Austrian pig farming.

concerns and challenges in agriculture

In Germany, a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) shows a clear connection between agricultural use and the stress of groundwater with nitrate. Between 2012 and 2016, the average nitrate values in agricultural areas were 28% - significantly higher than the nationwide average of 18%. In regions with intensive pig fattening, nitrate values sometimes exceed the permitted maximum values of 50 mg/l by seven times. This reality suggests that Austrian agriculture should also be vigilant. [Euractiv] (https://www.euractiv.de/section/landwirtschaft-und-ernfahrten/news/studie-stals-bals- Zwischen- und-nitratbeladung/) points out that Germany has already been sued by the EU due to high nitrate values.

Together with agriculture, a variety of other factors contribute to the nitrate Problem. According to the nitrate report in 2024, almost 75% of the water drinking water, which is often heavily loaded. The main cause of the high nitrate pollution is nitrogen -containing fertilizers that get into floors and water. Around a third of the measurement points in agricultural areas are above the limit, whereby agriculture causes 75% of nitrogen entries to German surface waters. Agriculture.de explains that other harmful nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and laughing gas also contain the environment.

The outlook for the future of pig farming

The problem of nitrate entries in the groundwater shows how important a further development of the fertilization regulation is, which has already been amended several times in Germany. A rethink in agriculture is essential to reduce environmental damage and to secure drinking water supply. The fluctuations in groundwater and nitrate level often refer to past fertilizer practices, so that farmers have to take measures to reduce the stress. These can include reducing fertilizer use and the use of sustainable cultivation methods.

whether the innovative form of husbandry from Hubmann is a future -proof solution is ultimately to be proven by the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the data of the installed measuring devices.