In the catchment area of the Drentsche Aa nature and agriculture are limited in the use of groundwater and climate change is escalating the problem. As part of the Blue Transition project in the Drenthe, our partners from Waterboard Hunze en Aa’s are testing new measures and presented their ‘Water in de Bouwvoor’ pilot to farmers in the area during a meeting on 8th December 2023.
During this event, held in the local community centre in the village of Anderen, the project team introduced themselves and then explained the project’s goals and the associated activities to be developed in the course of the pilot.
Small-scale measures
The title ‘Water in de Bouwvoor’ pertains to the planned trials to be carried out under the flag of Blue Transition whereby small-scale, innovative measures are tested to investigate the impact of water retention in furrows on cultivation and harvest, as well as to diminish
leaching and run off of nutrients and pesticides.
The measures taken will also be used in a model being developed in the hydrological research pilot currently being undertaken in the Anloërdiepje stream in the Drentsche Aa catchment area. Based on hydrological measurements, the model can be used for calculating the effect of the measures taken by farmers on groundwater and surface water recharge.
Points of concern
Following an explanation of the various aspects of this Blue Transition pilot, farmers had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss and mark their points of concern on a map of the test area. For instance, the locations where there are issues resulting from drought or flooding on a regular basis. The project advisors will use this information during a round of site visits with potential participants. The final number of farmers taking part in the NL1 pilot is to be decided in the coming weeks.
Research and trial results will later be used to construct a roadmap to more climate resilient water management and land use in nature and agricultural areas.