Descriptive Fields
The case studies form the analytical backbone of the OPTAIN project. Each case study represents a calibrated catchment-scale modelling environment in which Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) were systematically analysed through process-based simulation and multi-objective optimisation.
Rather than serving as implementation sites, the case studies functioned as model-based experimental systems. They allowed the project to explore how different NSWRM portfolios influence water retention efficiency, nutrient retention efficiency, agricultural productivity, and cost-related indicators under specific soil, land-use and climatic conditions.
The selected case studies cover three European biogeographical regions — Boreal, Continental and Pannonian — ensuring representation of diverse hydrological regimes and agricultural systems. This regional diversity enables structured comparison of modelling results while accounting for context-specific constraints.
Within each case study, the analytical process included:
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Calibration of hydrological and nutrient transport models
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Parameterisation of selected NSWRM
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Simulation of alternative spatial allocation scenarios
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Assessment under projected climate conditions
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Application of multi-objective optimisation to identify Pareto-optimal portfolios
Through this harmonised analytical framework, the case studies provide simulation-based insights into trade-offs and spatial effects of alternative NSWRM planning strategies across European agricultural catchments.