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Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) are land and water management measures designed to increase the capacity of landscapes to retain, regulate and reuse water and nutrients. In agricultural contexts, they influence hydrological processes such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, runoff generation and nutrient transport.
Within the OPTAIN project, NSWRM were analysed as modelled planning options integrated into process-based hydrological and nutrient transport models. Their effects were assessed through simulation rather than field implementation.
Purpose: NSWRM are primarily focused on enhancing the ability of small catchments and agricultural landscapes to retain water. This not only helps in managing water quantity by reducing runoff and increasing infiltration but also improves water quality by trapping sediments and nutrients. It includes:
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Water Retention: Increasing the capacity of landscapes to hold water, thereby reducing the volume and speed of runoff.
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Nutrient Management: Preventing the loss of nutrients through runoff and promoting their absorption and reuse within the landscape.
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Flood Mitigation: Reducing the risk of flooding by slowing down water flow and increasing the landscape’s ability to absorb excess water.
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Drought Mitigation: Enhancing the availability of water during dry periods by improving soil moisture retention and groundwater recharge.
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Biodiversity Promotion: Creating and maintaining habitats that support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
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Soil Health Improvement: Reducing soil erosion and improving soil structure and fertility.