DRIPS – A DSS estimating the input quantity of pesticides for German river basins

The development of the GIS Decision Support System (DSS) – Drainage Runoff Input of Pesticides in Surface Water based on model algorithms describing the major pathways of pesticide entry into surface waters has been initiated by the German Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) in 2000. The tool estimates the quantity of pesticide input from non-point sources via surface runoff, tile drainage and spraydrift. Furthermore, the resulting predicted environmental concentration of pesticides in surface waters (PECsw) can be retrieved considering the mean daily inputs of substances into various types of river-basins characterized by their daily discharge. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) was created provide users of the DSS with easy access to the model algorithms. Model parameters like dose rate, DT50, Koc and date of pesticides application et cetera can be modified by the user in order to generate customized scenarios for a choice of field crops, orchards and vineyards. Results are available as grid cell maps for the territory of Germany with high temporal and spatial resolution featuring distinct values PECsw for various types of streams and landscapes.