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This section presents model-based evidence derived from process-based hydrological and nutrient transport simulations combined with multi-objective optimisation analyses conducted across the 14 OPTAIN case studies. The findings summarised here are exclusively based on calibrated modelling environments and scenario simulations; no Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) were implemented, tested, or monitored in the field by the project.
Across the Boreal, Continental and Pannonian biogeographical regions, OPTAIN applied harmonised modelling protocols to evaluate alternative NSWRM configurations at catchment scale. Field-scale decision variables (e.g., type and spatial allocation of measures) were translated into catchment-scale performance indicators, including water retention efficiency, nutrient retention efficiency, agricultural productivity and cost-related metrics.
The examples presented in this section therefore illustrate predicted system responses under simulated current and future climate conditions, as well as optimisation-derived trade-offs between competing objectives. Rather than empirical demonstrations, they provide analytical insights into how different NSWRM portfolios perform within calibrated modelling frameworks, supporting structured and stakeholder-informed evaluation of alternative planning strategies.