Leaching of agrochemicals from intensively cultivated soils is responsible for the elevated concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, chloride and potassium in many of the irrigation wells in Kalpitiya, Srilanka. Ground water nitrate has already exceeded the WHO drinking water guidelines of 10mgN/1 in many wells, while nitrite concentrations in some wells exceed the tolerance levels of .001 mg/L water. The area around the drinking water well was planted with non leguminous trees; mostly indigenous species of trees were used. A dense planting pattern was followed in order that a root mat be formed quickly. The trees would begin the uptake of nitrates and nitrites and thereby reduce their concentrations in the ground water and soil..........

7. Planting around well The area around the drinking water well was planted with non leguminous trees; mostly indigenous species of trees were used. A dense planting pattern was followed in order that a root mat be formed quickly. The trees would begin the uptake of nitrates and nitrites and thereby reduce their concentrations in the ground water and soil 2002 2003 2004 Ecological Restoration

8. Annual cropping using Organic cultivation techniques * Pathola *Karawila *Wetakolu *Thampala *Bada Iringu *Nivithi *Bandakka *Cucumber *Pumpkin *Ma *Tomato *Dambala *Chillies

9. Results from the tests carried out so far revealed that that the Nitrate levels at the start (77 mg/1L) had dropped to 7 mg/1L!