Robert Barneveld

Research Scientist

(+47) 968 51 427
robert.barneveld@nibio.no

Place
Ås O43

Visiting address
Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås

Abstract

Reducing diffuse nutrient losses to water bodies remains a major problem in the agricultural areas of the Nordic countries. The transition towards a bioeconomy and ongoing climate change raise questions on the future of water quality and freshwater ecosystems and what kind of adaptation strategies could be implemented to maintain both food and environmental safety. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Natural Soil Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) under current and future climate conditions in retaining water, soil particles and nutrients within the landscape. The hydro-biochemical model SWAT+ was implemented in the Krakstad catchment in southern Norway using the novel approach developed within the EU H2020 project OPTAIN. This approach enables an improved spatial representation of NSWRMs in the landscape. Available discharge and water quality monitoring data were used as reference data for model calibration. The effectiveness of reduced tillage, grassed waterways, sedimentation ponds established in the forested areas and buffers on water retention and nutrient loads was evaluated. Our simulation results indicate that conservation tillage, which maintains stubble on the soil surface during winter, has the strongest impact on reducing soil and nutrient losses towards surface water bodies. Grassed waterways, established in existing erosion prone gullies, could also significantly contribute to water and nutrient retention within the landscape. The implemented NSWRMs did not appear to increase the soil moisture content in early spring even under future climate conditions, which is an important aspect for ensuring soil trafficability and the timing of sowing spring cereals