EFFECT OF SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE ON NUTRIENT POLLUTION OF SURFACE WATERSIN SOUTH EASTERN ALBANIA

Those who are familiar with salt problems in semi-arid regions are acc ustomed to thinking of managing water for its quality, but in areas wh ere drainage water is primarily a result of excessive rainfall, draina ge water management is a recently discovered tool. Thus, there are man y unknowns in this area and much potential for improvements. Informati on is needed on the effects of subsurface drainage on the environment. A study to obtain information concerning the effect of subsurface dra inage on nutrient pollution of surface waters was conducted from 1992- 1995 in the Korca region, south-eastern Albania. The objectives of thi s study were: (a) to evaluate the effectiveness of subsurface drainage on reducing soil and nutrient erosion and surface run-off, and (b) to identify and evaluate the best water management practices to minimize off-site environmental impacts of drainage on outflow water quality i n south-eastern Albania.