Publications
NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.
2025
Authors
Jerca Praprotnik Kastelic Primož Banovec Ajda Cilenšek Rozalija Cvejić Csilla Farkas Dominika Krzeminska Ingrid Nesheim Michael Strauch Julia Szulecka Mateja Škerjanec Martin Volk Felix Witing Matjaž GlavanAbstract
HIGHLIGHTS 1) Local stakeholder involvement increases the relevance, accuracy, and legitimacy of NSWRM modelling. 2) Standardised NSWRM documentation in WOCAT enhances knowledge sharing and cross-case comparison. 3) Reliable NSWRM assessment is feasible in data-scarce catchments using open data and empirical models. 4 ) Spatially targeted NSWRM combinations outperform single measures and mitigate climate impacts. 5) Agricultural policy favours land and partly the structural linear measure, limiting transformative structural area and hydro morphological interventions.
Authors
Csilla Farkas Moritz Shore Agota Horel Agota Horel Gökhan Cüceloglu Dorota Mirosław-Świątek Maria Eliza TurekAbstract
Within the OPTAIN project, the effects of Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) on water regime, soil erosion and nutrient transport are evaluated at both catchment- and field-scales for present and future climate conditions. The goal of this deliverable report D4.3 is to perform an integrated, model-based assessment of the effectiveness of NSWRMs at the field scale and to use these results for cross-validating the outputs obtained from the catchment-scale modelling. The assessment is based on the adaptation of a field-scale mathematical model (SWAP) to seven pilot sites across three European biogeographical regions and on combined analyses of NSWRM and projected climate scenarios. The scenarios are designed to evaluate the efficiency and potential of different NSWRMs in improving soil water retention and reducing flash floods and the loss of soil and nutrients under changing climate conditions. This report contains a detailed description of the SWAP modelling workflow, from input data preparation, model setup and harmonisation, model calibration and application in climate and NSWRM scenario runs. It presents calibration and NSWRM scenario results from seven OPTAIN case studies from three different biogeographical regions (Boreal, Continental and Pannonia). The report also describes i) the new approaches and tools developed within the OPTAIN project that facilitate the implementation of the scenarios and the interpretation of the modelling results, ii) the methods used to cross-validate the SWAP and SWAT+ models, and iii) the issues faced during the implementation of this work. The SWAP model was calibrated for all the pilot fields with good or satisfactory results. The impact of four in-field NSWRMs - reduced tillage, shifting to grassland, afforestation and drought tolerant crops - on the water balance elements was evaluated. The scenario results indicate that the effects of measures on soil water retention and other water balance elements have some regional pattern, but can be strongly dependent on local conditions (e.g. soil, crop, slope). According to the scenario results, for most of the cases the studied NSWRMs contributed to reducing evaporation, surface and subsurface runoff and percolation to deeper layers, which results in increased soil water retention or plant water uptake within the fields. The cross-validation of the field scale SWAP and catchment-scale SWAT+ models was a challenging task and could only be performed for selected water balance elements (evaporation, transpiration and drainage outflow). Comparable results were obtained in most of the cases for the baseline scenario, but the differences between the soil water balance elements simulated by the two models increased when implementing the different measures. The increased differences, however, could also reflect the differences in measure implementation, as these were constrained by the model’s structure and parameters. We concluded that the implementation of the SWAP field-scale model in the scenario analysis and cross-validation could positively contribute to i) better understanding the effects of NSWRMs at field level and ii) evaluating the outputs of the SWAP and SWAT+ models in a wider context. We concluded that NSWRMs can contribute to water retention within the landscape, and that this effect seems to decrease and increase in the future for measures related to management and land use change, respectively. The cross-validation of the water balance elements of the two models showed that the SWAP and SWAT+ simulation results were comparable for the status quo (present situation, for which the models have OPTAIN D4.3 Assessment of NSWRM effectiveness at field scale 6 / 143 been calibrated), but differed for the NSWRMs scenarios, depending on how the measures were implemented in the two models.
Authors
Martin Volk Natasha Amorsi Sabina Bokal Natalja Cerkasova Rozalia Cvejic Csilla Farkas Benoît Fribourg-Blanc Petr Fucik Matjaz Glavan Luka Honzak Dominika Krzeminska Tatenda Lemann Federica Monaco Attila Nemes Ingrid Nesheim Mikolaj Piniewski Christoph Schürz Michael Strauch Brigitta Szabo Felix Witing Cordula WittekindAbstract
The increasing frequency of droughts and heavy rainfall is intensifying conflicts between agricultural water use and other human and environmental demands. Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) can help mitigate these conflicts by enhancing water quality, improving agricultural resilience, and contributing to sustainable development goals. However, there are knowledge gaps about the effectiveness of these measures across different regions, scales, and climate conditions. The EU Horizon 2020 project OPTAIN aims to address these challenges in 14 European case studies. The project involves local stakeholders through Multi-Actor Reference Groups, which have identified and documented 235 potential NSWRMs, of which 66 from 29 categories have been selected for further evaluation. These measures are catalogued in collaboration with the WOCAT and NWRM.eu databases. To assess the impact of these NSWRMs at field and catchment scale, OPTAIN applies the SWAT+ model with a fully distributed routing scheme, accompanied by further field-scale simulations using SWAP in areas of high data availability. The project developed protocols and R scripts to standardize data preparation, model calibration, and evaluation across case studies, ensuring consistent analysis. Initial simulations in the German case study demonstrate positive effects of NSWRMs, such as low tillage and grassed waterways, in reducing peak water flows, increasing low flows, and enhancing nutrient and sediment retention. Furthermore, the project linked SWAT+ with an economic model using the CoMOLA platform to optimize NSWRM allocations based on environmental and economic criteria. Policy analysis is another important component of OPTAIN, with local and regional policies being reviewed to identify gaps and opportunities for harmonizing water and agricultural policies across Europe. Interim findings, shared through policy briefs, emphasize the need for better integration of agro-environmental policies, increased intersectoral collaboration, and awareness-raising among stakeholders. OPTAIN's overarching goal is to improve the acceptance and implementation of NSWRMs by harmonizing data, methods, and policies across the 14 case studies. While there are significant differences between countries, which pose challenges for comparative studies, the project is working to address these through data standardization and model improvements. The R scripts developed by the project will assist future SWAT+ users worldwide in setting up and calibrating models to evaluate the effectiveness of NSWRMs in water and nutrient retention. Ultimately, OPTAIN aims to optimize the spatial allocation and combination of NSWRMs, ensuring they are both environmentally and economically sustainable, while also promoting policy alignment at local, national, and EU levels.
Authors
Csilla Farkas Moritz Shore Christoph Schürz Agota Horel Gökhan Cücelöglu Dorota Mirosław-Świątek Maria Eliza Turek Annelie Holzkaemper Joana Eichenberger Piroska Kassai Brigitta Szabo Tibor Zsigmond Natalja Cerkasova Peter Fucik Antonin Zajicek Stepan Marval Mojtaba ShafieiAbstract
Within the EU Horizon project OPTAIN (OPtimal strategies to reTAIN and re-use water and nutrients in small agricultural catchments across different soil-climatic regions in Europe, optain.eu) project, the effects of Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) on water regime, soil erosion, and nutrient transport are evaluated at both catchment- and field scales for present and future climate conditions. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of selected management-based NSWRMs on soil water retention using the field-scale SWAP soil hydrological model and to compare the results with those simulated by the catchment-scale SWAT+ model. Improved water retention and reduced surface and subsurface runoff are indicators of reduced nutrient and soil particle losses towards the surface and subsurface water bodies. The field-scale assessment was based on the adaptation of the two models to seven pilot sites across three European biogeographical regions and on combined NSWRM – projected climate scenario analyses. The SWAP model was calibrated for all the pilot fields with good or satisfactory results. The impact of four infield NSWRMs - reduced tillage, shifting to grassland, afforestation and drought tolerant crops - on the water balance elements was evaluated. The scenario results indicate that the effects of measures on soil water retention and other water balance elements have some regional pattern, but can be strongly dependent on local conditions (e.g. soil, crop, slope). According to the scenario results, for most of the cases the studied NSWRMs contributed to reducing evaporation, surface and subsurface runoff and percolation to deeper layers, which resulted in increased soil water retention or plant water uptake within the fields. The cross-validation of the field-scale SWAP and catchment-scale SWAT+ models was a challenging task and could only be performed for selected water balance elements (evaporation, transpiration and drainage outflow). Comparable results were obtained in most of the cases for the baseline scenario, but the differences between the soil water balance elements simulated by the two models increased when implementing the different measures.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
A sustainability assessment indicator-based framework (SA-IBF) is an integrated set of indicators that provides a holistic view of a system’s sustainability. Previous related studies have primarily focused on assessing the sustainability of wastewater treatment plants and technologies, often by self-selecting the indicators. This study aims to address these gaps by developing a multi-dimensional SA-IBF for assessing the sustainability of urban wastewater management (UWWM) across collection, treatment, and reuse stages. To this end, a novel three- phased methodological approach was employed, underscoring participatory methods. In the first phase, 580 primary indicators were identified, categorized, and refined, resulting in the selection of 134 initial indicators. In the second phase, 32 candidate indicators were chosen through primary screening, which involved applying SMART criteria and conducting expert interviews. Eventually, utilizing the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), 21 fit- for-purpose final indicators were selected across social (8), environmental (6), technical (5), economic (1), and institutional (1) dimensions. The "Proportion of the population connected to the sewer network" was identified as the most significant final indicator. Moreover, applying the developed SA-IBF in Tabriz City, Iran, effectively revealed the city’s sustainability trade-offs. Therefore, the methodology and the proposed SA-IBF could inspire future research on establishing frameworks for SA of UWWM.
Authors
Geir Orderud Rolf David Vogt Petr Porcal Josef Hejzlar Jiří Sláma Ståle Haaland Bjørnar EikebrokkAbstract
This study examines stakeholder efforts to meet European targets for raw water quality. Key sources of water quality deterioration include fish farming, agricultural activities, partially treated urban sewage, and forestry. Although the forest sector and municipal wastewater treatment facilities have demonstrated progress, fish farming and agricultural sectors remain reluctant to implement effective measures. Economic considerations, level of environmental literacy, and the strength of knowledge networks emerge as critical factors influencing stakeholder actions. Non-governmental environmental organisations prioritise issues other than water quality, limiting their engagement in this domain. Moreover, the dominant role of the Ministry of Agriculture in water management appears to hinder cross-sectorial coordination and progress towards achieving good raw water quality.
Authors
Petter D. Jenssen Trond Mæhlum Melesse Eshetu_Moges Bente Føreid Trine Hvoslef-Eide Jihong Liu Clarke Arve Heistad Manoj Kumar PandeyAbstract
Urban agriculture requires resources such as growth media, nutrients, and water. This report demonstrates how these resources can be locally sourced through a circular economy approach, in which waste materials are recovered and reused. Recycling helps reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants into water and air. Examples presented show how to convert waste from households—such as human excreta, wastewater, and organic household waste—into biogas, compost/growth media, biochar, and solid and liquid fertilizer for urban agriculture and urban greening. The solutions presented have been explored through desktop evaluations, practical trials, or full-scale demonstrations to see how the technologies can be improved or adapted for urban use. Products like liquid and solid fertilizers, compost, aquaponic fish feed, irrigation water, and energy (methane) can be used in urban food production or recreational areas. Regulations for the use of waste resources in the production of growth media, fertilizers, irrigation water, fodder, and energy vary between countries but are generally restrictive due to the risk of disease transmission and pollutant build-up. For urban agriculture to become more circular, there is a need for documentation of good waste treatment routines, changes in legislation, and changes in attitudes towards the use of local waste resources.
Abstract
Background: Campylobacter is an important water- and food-borne pathogen with notable genetic similarity among strains isolated from humans, animals, and environmental sources. This systematic review and meta- analysis synthesized available evidence on the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and associated risk factors of Campylobacter in humans, animals, and the environment in Ethiopia. Methods: Articles published from 1997 to 2024 were systematically searched and retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and data from eligible articles were extracted using a standardized data extraction template. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q statistic, the I² statistic, and Egger’s test for small-study effects. Data extraction and analysis were conducted using Microsoft Excel and Stata 14. Results: Of the 11,573 samples analyzed across 26 studies, 3204 were positive for Campylobacter, yielding a pooled prevalence of 19.9 %. The highest prevalence was observed in environmental samples (33.4 %), followed by humans (31.4 %) and animals (24 %). Regionally, Oromia showed the highest prevalence (30.4 %), while Addis Ababa and Tigray reported the lowest (11.0 %). Cephalothin and ampicillin exhibited the highest antimicrobial resistance (100 %), whereas gentamicin showed the lowest (7.1 %). Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were the most frequently identified species and demonstrated the highest resistance levels. Major risk factors for campylobacteriosis included frequent animal contact, consumption of undercooked or contaminated food and water, and low parental education levels among affected children. Conclusion: This study highlights the distribution and increasing prevalence of Campylobacter and associated antimicrobial resistance within a One Health framework. Future research should encompass wider geographic coverage and include diverse sources such as poultry, companion animals, vegetables, and wastewater to generate more comprehensive epidemiological data. Such efforts will help address existing knowledge gaps and support the development of targeted interventions to reduce foodborne infections and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
Authors
Mikołaj Piniewski Natalja Čerkasova Svajunas Plunge Michael Strauch Christoph Schürz Péter Braun Enrico Antonio Chiaradia Joana Eichenberger Mohammad Reza Eini Csilla Farkas Marie Anne Eurie Forio Peter Goethals Piroska Kassai Štěpán Marval Diego G. Panique-Casso Lorenzo Sanguanini Moritz Shore Brigitta Szabó Petr Slavík Felix WitingAbstract
This study proposes a new workflow for crop growth evaluation and yield calibration in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model and evaluates its impact on simulated hydrological and biogeochemical processes. The workflow was applied for ten small agricultural catchments in Europe. A detailed demonstration is provided for the German catchment, Schwarzer Schöps. The workflow proved effective across all catchments, improving yield calibration from an initial R2 of 0.5–0.84. The results show that evapotranspiration and soil moisture were only moderately affected by crop calibration in three catchments (Belgium, Czech Republic and Norway) and negligibly changed in the remaining ones. Sediment and nutrient balance were affected more strongly: sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loss change reached 82 % (Norway), 16 % and 20 % (Czech Republic), respectively. The proposed workflow is a valuable tool for improving the accuracy of SWAT + simulations and can be used to support decision-making in environmental management.