Water availability for agriculture

The Dutch Spaarwater Project focuses on making and keeping freshwater available. Now and in the future. The project aims for subsistence freshwater storage on small-scale plots. At the moment, the project consortium is running four pilots where subsurface freshwater storage and system-oriented drainage are tested. The pilots are characterized by different environments and equipped with distinct techniques.

The north-west of The Netherlands is ideal for agricultural production because of its high-fertile soils. The agricultural sector is the main source of income in the area. However, the region is also characterized by a shallow groundwater fresh-salt groundwater interface that threatens freshwater supply. Because of climate change and land subsidence the natural carrying capacity of the region is lowering, and consequently being exceeded. Recent studies show that freshwater resources are being exhausted endangering crop production. Subsurface freshwater storage and optimization of the drainage system can contribute to reducing the risks of crop damage.

In addition to improving the reliability of freshwater supply the Spaarwater Project aims for a more efficient management of pests and nutrients. Through a reduction in runoff water quality will improve. This will probably allow for the irrigation of potatoes and make compliance with the goals set in the European Water Framework Directive easier.

The Spaarwater Project actively contributes to safeguarding freshwater supply and supporting the economic position of the Dutch agricultural sector.

For more information please refer to www.spaarwater.com.