TOPPS
TOPPS
TOPPS Water Protection
- Funding Entity: Associació Europea per a la Protecció dels Cultius (ECPA).
- Period: Ongoing
- Program: LIFE Environment and Resource Efficiency project application.LIFE05 ENV/B/000510.
- Project coordinator:
- Website: www.proyectotopps.es
A little bit about the project:
TOPPS-PROWADIS is the evolution of the TOPPS project, initiated in 2005 within the LIFE programme, whose original objective was to reduce point-source water pollution caused by the improper use of phytosanitary products.
Since 2011, the project has moved toward a broader approach, focusing on the prevention of diffuse pollution, especially that resulting from spray drift, runoff, and erosion in agricultural areas.
The project has been supported since its inception by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, through the UMA, which plays a key role in the dissemination of Good Practices aimed at reducing spray drift from phytosanitary treatments and improving the sustainability of applications.
Main objective
To develop and promote a practical, efficient, and universally applicable system to minimize the impact of phytosanitary products on surface waters, through the adoption of good agricultural practices, specialized training, and support tools for farmers and technicians.
Project evolution:
- Focused on identifying and correcting point-source pollution sources: failures in product handling, equipment filling/cleaning, storage, or disposal of residues.
- Development of safe handling guidelines and corrective measures in the field.
- Expansion of the approach toward diffuse pollution, which is more difficult to detect and manage.
- Incorporation of strategies against:
- Spray drift.
- Surface runoff.
- Soil loss due to erosion.
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Lines of action
- Development of protocols based on:
- Proper selection of nozzles and pressures.
- Adjustment of the application equipment.
- Tractor handling and forward speed.
- Use of vegetation barriers and protection zones.
UMA actively participates in the dissemination of these practices through courses, technical workshops, training materials, and demonstration trials.
Promotion of agronomic practices that enhance infiltration, retain soil, and prevent product loss into watercourses:
- Vegetable covers.
- Responsible irrigation management.
- Slope and microplot design.
- Tools and training for users
TOPPS-PROWADIS develops:
- Technical guides and best practice manuals.
- Audiovisual material and interactive applications.
- Training sessions for farmers, advisors and environmental managers.
The objective is to facilitate the effective adoption of safe and efficient practices in the use of phytosanitary products.
TOPPS-PROWADIS has enabled:
- Significantly reduce the risk of water contamination associated with phytosanitary treatments.
- Standardize good practices recognized at the European level.
- To promote a culture of responsible and sustainable application throughout the entire treatment cycle.
- To establish a bridge between research, training and real agricultural practice.
A European benchmark in sustainable plant protection product management
Thanks to its continuity, practical approach, and solid technical foundation, TOPPS-PROWADIS has established itself as a key project for improving environmental safety in the use of phytosanitary products, enhancing water protection, and promoting more sustainable, efficient, and responsible agriculture.