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Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
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Using a map-based assessment tool for the development of cost-effective WFD river basin action programmes in a
Bjarke Stoltze Kaspersen1, Torsten Vammen Jacobsen2, Michael Brian Butts2
1Department of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change, Roskilde University, P.O. Box 260, DK 4000, Roskilde, Denmark; DHI, Agern Alle 5, DK 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark.
Journal of Environmental Management
|May 4, 2016
Summary
Climate change will increase nitrate leaching, requiring adaptive strategies for river basin management. A map-based tool helps target agri-environmental measures to achieve Water Framework Directive nitrogen reduction goals cost-effectively.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- EU Member States must integrate climate change into river basin management planning for the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
- Denmark faces challenges in reducing nitrogen (N) pollution from intensive agriculture, exacerbated by climate change impacts.
- Effective Programmes of Measures (PoMs) are needed for achieving 'good ecological status' in water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a map-based assessment tool for developing adaptive and cost-effective strategies to reduce N losses in Danish river basins.
- To evaluate the impact of climate change on nitrate leaching and its implications for WFD objectives.
- To identify targeted agri-environmental measures for achieving N reduction targets under current and future climate scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a map-based PoMs assessment tool for evaluating agri-environmental measures in low-retention agricultural areas.
- Employed the dynamic agro-ecosystem model 'Daisy' to assess climate change effects on nitrate leaching.
- Analyzed the effectiveness of targeted land use changes for N reduction.
Main Results:
- Nitrate leaching is projected to increase by approximately 25% under current management practices due to climate change.
- This climate change impact on leaching exceeds the planned N reduction effects for the case study river basin.
- Achieving WFD N reduction targets requires targeted land use changes on 4% of agricultural land (current climate) or 9% (projected climate).
Conclusions:
- A map-based PoMs assessment tool is crucial for developing robust and cost-effective adaptation strategies for river basin management.
- Climate change necessitates further reductions in nutrient loads beyond current WFD targets.
- Spatially targeted measures are essential for achieving cost-effective N load reductions at the catchment scale in a changing climate.
Keywords:
AgricultureClimate change adaptationDaisyDecision support systemsGISProgrammes of measuresRiver basin management planningWater framework directiveMore Related Videos
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